Game On Magazine 2017 December 2017 | Page 58

M ANIT OBA MOOSE IN T HE COM MU NITY Playmakers in our Community B Y K O RY H A R N U M Photos by Jonathan Kozub Sarah Ernstberger raising funds for CancerCare Manitoba I t goes without saying, but volunteers are a vital part of the success of any program or organization and the Manitoba Moose certainly believe this to be true. It is important to show your appreciation to the people who are making a difference in their community and that is why this season, the Moose have introduced the Moose Community Playmaker program. The goal of this program is to recognize individuals all across Manitoba who are making a difference through the work they do or the commitment they 5 8 | G AM E O N | D E CEM BER 2 0 1 7 make to local organizations. During each Moose home game this season, one individua l will be recognized during a promotional timeout. A short description is read, giving fans insight of the difference this person is making as photos are displayed on the centre ice videoboard. Each individual is given four tickets to the game and presented with a team autographed item as part of the presentation. Here are the stories of two individuals we have recognized this season as part of this program: Kevin Cleveland has a wide variety of volunteer experience stemming from many years of giving back to the community. Today, he dedicates his time by assisting refugees who are making the transition to Winnipeg from another country. This could be anything from introducing the youth to new sports to assisting them with some of their daily errands. Kevin also volunteers with a local organization that provides assistance to individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities. Sarah is a 10-year-old girl who loves to play hockey. Last year, Sarah created a fundraiser for CancerCare Manitoba - Pediatric Childhood Cancer where she decided she would donate $1 for every