The outpouring of support among Olds residents and businesses for members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team who passed away or are injured -- as well as their families and the community itself is inspiring.
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.
At last word, 16 people were killed and 13 injured -- including Olds resident Graysen Cameron -- when a bus and a semi-trailer collided.
In addition, Logan Boulet, whose father grew up here and whose grandparents reportedly still live here, was killed. He had signed a donor card, so in a very generous gesture, his organs were donated to others so they could live.
Flags have been flying at half-mast throughout the community. Also, Sportsplex staff have ordered T-shirts with the #Humboldt Strong hashtag, and last week, staff at that facility were planning to erect a banner showing their support.
During the Olds Stingers lacrosse team's home opener this past Friday, the team paid tribute to Cameron and Boulet. They also retired the jersey of Ryan McBeath, a key member of the team who was killed in a two-vehicle collision near Torrington on March 13. McBeath and Cameron were good friends.
Last week, many local residents joined others across the country in placing hockey sticks outside their homes in support of the team.
Employees of several businesses in town also eagerly donned jerseys in solidarity with the team during Jersey Day this past Thursday.
During a town council meeting April 9, councillors and staff held a moment of silence and Olds mayor Michael Muzychka expressed his condolences on behalf of the community.
CKFM and Rock 104 held a one-day radio auction April 12 in support of Cameron. Organizers said proceeds from the auction will go to support Cameron. As of Friday, about $4,000 had been raised, and more money was still arriving.
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.
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. Admission is by a free will donation.
That's just the kind of community Olds is. We care for one another. Hockey is a vital part of the fabric of Canada.
As the poet John Donne famously wrote, “no man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." That quote further says, "any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind."
