Cliff Mapes, right, presents Marina Mitchell and Ralph Boychuk with the team's donation. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Rose Garden Hospice

Raiders pitch in to help make facility a reality

Jan 14, 2020 | 2:56 PM

The Prince Albert Raiders are getting behind the Rose Garden Hospice.

On Tuesday morning the team donated $5,500 to help make the facility a reality. Cliff Mapes, executive director of the team’s business operations, said supporting the hospice is part of being a good community partner.

“This is something the community needs,” Mapes said. “In talking with Malcolm [Jenkins] at Canadian Tire and getting some background on what they’re trying to accomplish here, I thought it was a great opportunity for the hockey team to pitch in.”

The team raised funds selling Raider Christmas ornaments over the holidays. Mapes said there are plans to carry on the initiative in the future.

While there is no one in the Raider organization with any personal connection to the hospice, Mapes explained they were motivated to help as it provides a needed service to the community.

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“To have end of life care close to home for people is important,” he said.

Ralph Boychuk with the Rose Garden Hospice said he and his colleagues are happy to have the Raiders’ support.

“Just to have them involved with our group is tremendously positive,” he said.

Boychuk said multiple sectors of the community have stepped forward to support the facility.

The most recent donation brings the total raised to around $1.7 million, which is almost halfway to the $4 million goal. Boychuk said they are happy with where they are and will bring more people on board to help with fundraising.

Currently the plan is to break ground on the site by spring.

“We’re going to be pushing to get that done by the spring for sure,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn