“Scott would be so pleased of what they do in his memory.”
Susan MacDonald said if her son could see the way the community comes together for cancer research, he would be honoured.
Scott MacDonald, a former Bonnyville Voyageur, lost his battle with cancer in 2010. Every year since then the local football community has rallied together to host a football tournament in his honour to raise money for cancer research. A small portion of the proceeds are also placed in the Voyageur Scholarship Fund.
This year was no different. On Saturday, Sept. 22, Walsh Field was a sea of support as the Renegades, Bandits, and Voyageurs faced opposing teams from surrounding communities in the tournament’s ninth year.
As part of the event’s fundraising efforts, players shaved their heads after collecting donations for the cause.
Voyageur Cassie Christians raised over $2,000 on her own.
Local football players shaved their heads as part of the Scott MacDonald Memorial Tournament on Saturday. Players collected donations for cancer research.
She said she was proud to lose her locks during this year’s event.
“It’s a good cause, all of the money is going to an amazing cause. It’s very community-oriented, and it’s something I felt that I wanted to do,” described Christians.
“It’s a great honour. It makes you feel amazing that you’re trying to make a difference in the community by trying to live on the memory of such a great person.
Christians wanted to use the head shaving as an opportunity to “break the gender stereotype” by being the first female Voyageur in 22 years.
Teri Prevost helped organize the event this year as chair of the Scott MacDonald Memorial committee.
She said she was proud to see the number of players taking part in the head shaving.
“I’m really surprised. There are a lot of Voyageurs doing it this year,” Prevost noted. “A lot of these guys shaving their heads today started with the Renegades and have done it ever year. I’m really proud of these guys for coming out.”
Even the players who weren’t willing to part with a head full of hair got into the spirit of it, by shaving their legs and arms instead.
For the MacDonald family, the tournament is bittersweet.
“It’s the biggest day every year in our life, and it’s also the hardest day, to come and be part of,” MacDonald said. “What the community has done, how they’ve come together and shown dignity, respect, compassion, is beyond words.”
She continued, “On behalf of the MacDonald family, I would like to thank the community for the honour they’ve bestowed on our son.”
