The numbers on the scoreboard didn’t matter when the Red Deer U15 Rebels made a stop at Pete Knight Memorial Arena in Crossfield on Saturday, Nov. 30 to face off with the RMAA U15 A Renegades, the only number that mattered was the $15,647.51 raised that evening to support Kirsten’s Place, an overnight domestic violence shelter being built in Olds.
The U15 Renegades were decked out in purple, with the words ‘Kirsten’s Place’ decaled on each player’s name bar for the event, which was called “Pack the Pete Purple.” True to that theme, the arena was also decorated with purple balloons and ribbons, and everyone coming out was asked to wear a personalized purple ribbon and be kitted out in as much purple as possible.
Named for Kirsten Gardner, a 25-year old mother of two who was murdered by her boyfriend in Bowden in 2021, the shelter is being erected by the Mountain View Emergency Shelter Society.
The Crossfield and Renegades' connection to Kirsten’s Place is deep and personal.
Shaina Snyder acts as the team’s manager, and her son Cooper plays for the team. Kirsten was her sister and her father Brian is heavily involved in getting the shelter built.
“We’re here for the boys to give back to the community, to raise some awareness about domestic violence, and get some money off to the shelter in Olds that is being built,” said Snyder, who took a break from her hectic evening to speak with the Rocky View Weekly. “It’s the only overnight shelter between Red Deer and Calgary, and it has been named after my sister.”
Snyder said her sister’s life ended cruelly at the hands of one who was supposed to cherish her, but she felt Kirsten would be pleased to see the shelter being built so that other women never have to go through what she did.
“I think she would be proud,” said Snyder, “I never thought it would be this big, this event we pulled off. I am so thankful for all the parents, players, and everyone who has donated. And we are going to raise some really great money for a great cause.”
-With files from Riley Stovka/ Rocky View Weekly
