The Rupert Rampage and KidSport Prince Rupert have teamed up to organize the first-ever Giving for Goals fundraiser, on Dec. 11.

The event, hosted at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre auditorium, will help raise money and awareness for the local branch of KidSport BC and will feature a silent auction, turkey dinner and host pre-game appearances by Rupert Rampage players.

“The Rupert Rampage hockey team is founded on community, said Terena Stegavig, Rupert Rampage vice-president. “The players all got started playing hockey as kids. They had the opportunity to learn, grow and get good at the game they love. So, when the opportunity came up to support KidSport Prince Rupert at the Giving for Goals Fundraiser, the team stepped up.”

The local chapter of KidSport BC provides grants of up to $400 per child, per year, to assist with designated sports registration fees, while the provincial organization provides grants to help with sports registration fees for 60 sports.

KidSport Prince Rupert has partnered with the City of Prince Rupert and the Prince Rupert Port Authority to strengthen their programs after re-establishing itself in January 2021 after the pandemic shut down their operation temporarily.

“We feel it’s a great way for the community to come together and support KidSport Prince Rupert. Our chapter’s vision is to eliminate barriers for local children that hinder their access to organized sport,” Heidi De Wildt, chair of KidSport Prince Rupert, said.

“The assistance we have received from the Prince Rupert Port Authority and the City of Prince Rupert has truly had a positive impact on the success of our fundraising initiatives and current awareness campaign,” she said. “And the generosity we’ve seen in the amount of silent auction donations from Prince Rupert businesses has been incredible.”

Entry tickets are $50 and include access to the Rupert Rampage and Terrace River Kings hockey game afterwards. Tickets will not be available at the door and must be purchased online.