The inspiration for the event began in 2000, when loggers in British Columbia agreed to donate the value of a load of wood to the Children’s Miracle network. Events to support the initiative, like charity hockey and gold tournaments, been spearheaded by the lumber industry across the country and more than $1.1 million has been raised for children’s hospitals to date.
In the spring of 2005, Badcock initiated the lob ball tournament, and has watched it grow with pride.
The inspiration for the event began in 2000, when loggers in British Columbia agreed to donate the value of a load of wood to the Children’s Miracle network. Events to support the initiative, like charity hockey and gold tournaments, been spearheaded by the lumber industry across the country and more than $1.1 million has been raised for children’s hospitals to date.
In the spring of 2005, Badcock initiated the lob ball tournament, and has watched it grow with pride.
“This year’s event is the biggest to date. Organizing it certainly has its challenges, but they’re exciting challenges,” he said.
Badcock and his team of volunteers are committed to hosting an event that offers something for everyone in the community.
“The players are one part of the event; we want the whole community to be involved,” he said. “We’ve shifted our focus this year to really focus on the kids, and we’re providing an area for them with a bouncy house.”
There will be face painting and a cakewalk, he said. Along with the games and children’s activities, there will also be both live and silent auctions, raffles throughout the weekend and a canteen at the ball field. The North Queens Volunteer Fire Department will kick off the festivities by hosting a Fireman’s Breakfast on Aug. 15, beginning at 7 a.m. The first game of the tournament will follow at 8 a.m.
“This is really a community event,” says Badcock. “Families, friends, kids; we’ve been very successful.”
The tournament, to date, has raised more than $135,000, and hopes are high that this year’s event will see it surpass $150,000 raised for the IWK and its various programs for children’s health.
If it’s true that it takes a village to raise a child, then it’s also true that a community ball game can work miracles.
Story By Vanessa MacNeil, The Advance