Dunrobin hockey team wins $100K for tornado relief efforts

A peewee hockey team from West Carleton has won theChevrolet Good Deeds Cup and its $100,000 grand prize, which the team plans to puttoward the tornadodisaster relief efforts in Dunrobin.

The West Carleton Warriors from Dunrobin,a rural community in Ottawa's west end,were announced as winners during a surprise skate celebration at Dow's Lake Saturday.

"The West Carleton Warriors' passion for their community is inspiring. Their dedication was truly impressive," said JamesHodge, a spokesperson forChevrolet Canada.

Over 300 teams from across Canada submitted videos of their good deeds.

The West Carleton Warriors entered a video of the teamhelping their community aftera destructive tornado tore through their hometown in September 2018.

West Carleton Warriors win Good Deeds Cup

6 years ago

Duration 1:11

The West Carleton Warriors hockey team won for their efforts in helping their community after a destructive tornado tore through Dunrobin in September.

Making a difference

The Warriors collected books and monetary donations for families affected by the disaster.

They raised over $4,000 for relief efforts and volunteered at a community holiday party where they acted as Christmas elves, passing out presents to the many families in need.

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Thewin means a lot for 11-year-old player Blake Voelker, whose friend wasinside his house when the tornado hit it.

"It's really crazy. Like, I know it's going to help out a lot of people. And like, I have friends that have been through a lot and so it's going to be good for them," said Voelker.

"It feels great because it's going straight back into the community."

Coach Sean Lecuyersays it was important to teach the kids about giving back.

"When you're coaching a team, I think it's important not just to teach the kids the stuff on the ice," Lecuyer said.

"You're responsible for teaching them to be good people and to build confidence and this was a huge way to be able to do that."

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said the team's "selfless actions and volunteerism" showed "the kind and generous spirit of Ottawa's youth."

"Even as they coped with the devastating aftermath of the tornados in their own community, this passionate group of young people sought to help their neighbours and make a difference," said Watson.

'They are truly warriors'

Theprize will be donated to the West Carleton Disaster Relief Fund.

Many families have not been able to start rebuilding because their foundations were torn up, so the money will be a big help when those large expenses come along,said Laurie Chauvin,a board member with the disaster relief group.

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The "absolutely amazing" win will also help families who are short on insurance or because tarps are covering their damaged roofs facing higher-than-usual hydro bills, she said.

"It's such a big prize. We'll be able to help so many people," Chauvin said. "These boysthey are truly warriors."

Chauvin saidthe team plans to keep volunteering in Dunrobin, particularly with this spring's cleanup efforts.