The community of Olds is expressing its solidarity with Humboldt junior hockey players, their families and Humboldt residents in the wake of a tragic crash involving a bus and semi-trailer that claimed the lives of 16 people and injured about 13, including Olds resident Graysen Cameron.
The collision occurred April 6 about 200 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon as the Broncos were travelling to Nipawin for a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoff game.
"We're very thankful that he is doing better, but obviously our hearts and thoughts and prayers go out to the team, the community of Humboldt, but also all of Saskatchewan. And there were so many people from Alberta as well who were members of that team," chief administrative officer Micheal Merritt said during an interview with the Albertan.
During a town council meeting April 9, councillors and staff held a moment of silence. Olds mayor Michael Muzychka expressed his condolences on behalf of the community.
Also, flags were lowered to half-mast at the town hall, Olds RCMP, and outside the Ralph Klein Centre.
In addition, T-shirts with the hashtag # Humboldt Strong have been ordered for Sportsplex staff. However, Merritt and director of community services Doug Wagstaff said it could take as long as a couple of weeks for those shirts to arrive, due to extremely strong demand.
"The company producing them I think is stretched to the max," Merritt said.
Wagstaff stressed the town made a deliberate decision to buy from a Humboldt company producing the shirts in order to show support for that community.
He said because so few shirts were available, Sportsplex staff were prioritized to receive them.
"I think everyone can sort of relate to what's going on, but certainly they're a group of people who can really relate to it, given how closely they work with those folks who are in the hockey community," Wagstaff said.
"And they understand sort of the impact that, you know, even the staff in the arena would have in Humboldt to these players and their team personnel."
When interviewed, Wagstaff also said efforts were underway to create and hoist some kind of banner in the Sportsplex in support of Humboldt players and family members.
Wagstaff was asked if the town is planning to do anything more, like perhaps organize a rally in support of Cameron, the Broncos and their families.
"No, there hasn't been. And we would -- as we do with all of our sort of pieces -- we look at supporting the community. So if the community comes up with things that they want to do, how could we support them? As compared to 'the government' being out front and centre. It's what the community's supporting," he said.
"He's someone who's still working through where he's going to be at with this. So in a way, we're in a little bit of a wait and see (mode) and see what we can do to support (him)."
Lots of other things are being done in Olds to show support for the Broncos, etc., as well.
Several residents throughout the community placed hockey sticks outside entrances to their homes in support of the team, family members and Humboldt residents. Many also wore sports jerseys on April 12, "Jersey Day," as part of a nationwide effort to show support.
CKFM and Rock 104 held a one-day radio auction April 12 in support of Cameron. Two tickets to an Eagles concert May 14 in Calgary were up for bid. Neil Skaluba obtained them with a winning bid of $1,550. Organizers say proceeds from the auction will go to support Cameron. As of Friday, about $4,000 had been raised, with more money still coming in.
Also on April 12, Just Jacks in the Pomeroy Inn & Suites donated $1 from every pint sold that day to the Broncos.
In addition, an online steeped tea party was set up. Proceeds from sales will go to Cameron and his family.
Shortly after the accident, Olds College posted the following announcement:
"Our hearts go out to the players and families of the Humboldt Broncos during this time of immense tragedy."
Flags around the campus were lowered to half-mast in memory of those killed and injured and in support of the players and their families.
"To all who have been impacted by this tragedy, our thoughts, prayers and support are with you," the statement said.
In addition, students and staff were encouraged to wear their favourite jersey or something green for Jersey Day.
Counselling services were available to all students as well.
A fundraiser and benefit dance will be held May 5 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Evergreen Centre. A portion of the funds will go toward supporting Cameron and to support Olds and District Special Olympics. Fifteen musicians have been invited to participate. Admission is by a free will donation.
When he turned 21, Boulet signed a card to donate his organs if he passed away.
After the accident he was put on life support. Later he was taken off life support and his organs were donated to science as well as to six other people. Many residents have expressed admiration for that generous donation.
