INNISFAIL – The communities of Innisfail, Penhold and Bowden joined others across the country this week to show their support for the Humboldt Broncos.
The outpouring of support has stretched from coast to coast and beyond since the devastating highway crash on April 6 that killed 16 players and support staff, and injured 13 others.
Here in Innisfail, families, young athletes, businesses, students and members of the community rallied behind the Broncos, putting sticks out for Humboldt, wearing jerseys and making financial donations to the GoFundMe page (https://ca.gofundme.com/funds-for-humboldt-broncos) that has now reached more than $11.6 million.
Innisfail, Penhold and Bowden residents wore jerseys on April 12, known as jersey day across Canada.
“This tragedy has given us the chance to pause and reflect on our time with our family and how cherished it is,” said Shane Chisholm, principal at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School. His school was one of many in the area to take part in jersey day. “Many of these athletes that are still in the hospital are speaking of that.
“We’re learning to cherish our moments,” he added. “I think this is where this outpouring of support is. Not only are we seeing kids wear these jerseys, but we’re seeing families wearing jerseys and school families, we’re seeing community buildings and office buildings. We’re seeing everybody coming together as families.”
Chisholm noted a connection shared through the Humboldt tragedy.
“It has been quite beautiful and amazing how many people can relate to small-town Canada,” he said. “Innisfail is one of them.
“In times like this at our school, we often pray to St. Christopher, the patron saint of safe travel. When this tragedy happened we prayed to St. Christopher (when students returned to class) on April 9.”
In addition, many individuals and families have put hockey and lacrosse sticks out for Humboldt.
Ryan Dodd, a coach with Innisfail Minor Hockey and the general manager of the Innisfail Eagles, said Innisfail has shown support in several ways.
“Everyone and Eagles alumni are posting pictures (on social media) of their sticks out for Humboldt with candles,” said Dodd.
“It’s so touching, but it’s grassroots. These small communities are all about the grassroots hockey and grassroots sports. It’s amazing to see,” he added.
Dodd noted the support from the Eagles organization. They had a sign created and posted in town and several players on the team donated to Humboldt’s GoFundMe page. Financial support also came from several Innisfail minor hockey teams.
“The kids actually asked if they could donate any money left over from our team funds this year to the Humboldt Broncos GoFundMe page,” said Dodd. “That’s just solid love for the game and for those (Humboldt) players.”
