Hockey season is just a few short weeks away, and it’s pretty easy to guess who local kids will be rooting for.
In case you missed the excitement, this community received a very welcome gift from the Sedin twins this weekend, to the tune of $90,000.
The money, donated to the Kent elementary school playground and the Kent Community Recreation and Cultural Centre’s equipment room, is likely a huge weight off of two hard-working fundraising committees — committees made up of parents, volunteers, district staff and others.
But the Sedin Family Foundation gave this community more than just a pile of cash. They could have just cut a cheque and penned a letter to their beneficiaries. But the notoriously modest twins decided to visit the community, and celebrate the gift with us. In doing so, they didn’t just improve local facilities, they brightened the spirits of everyone around them.
Hundreds of people came out to meet the Sedin twins, craning both their necks and their camera phones to get a good look at the Canucks through the massive crowds. In return, the Sedins were quiet, polite and gracious.
They showed hundreds of adoring young fans what it means to be gentlemen, taking the time to sign autographs, mug for photos, and exchange a few words with whoever was nearby.
They even spent a few minutes playing floor hockey, modeling good sportsmanship with high fives, hugs and cheers while helping to break in the beautiful new floor at the gymnasium.
It was a day that will live forever in the memory of the children who got to see their idols on their own home turf, far away from the NHL ice rinks. A day when they realized that these players are real people.
And for the adults, the visit is a good reminder that even when reaching for the stars, we should always keep one hand free to help others get there, too.
