The Bashaw RCMP are looking to give back to the community and have some fun while they are doing it.
Officers from the detachment, and a few friends, will be hosting a charity hockey game at the Bashaw Arena on Jan. 17, 2025.
"We talked about ways we can get involved," said Sgt. Trent Cleveland, the detachment's commander. "I think we could get more involved with the community because I know Bruce (Holliday) did a really good job at it before I got here."
According to Cleveland, the officers came up with the idea of a charity hockey game, partially because his own children play.
Cleveland says that discussions for the game began back in August around the time Hometown Days was concluding.
The detachment is partnering with the Bashaw Community Resource Centre (CRC) to host the game. The CRC is selling tickets and will handle the raised funds as it has a similar catchment area as the detachment.
Cleveland notes allowing the CRC to handle the money, and it's distribution, can ensure that if programs in other communities like Alix or Mirror, both communities in Bashaw's jurisdiction, they can get it.
"It's actually for the RCMP jurisdiction," said Cleveland.
While the majority of the RCMP roster will be RCMP officers brought in from around the region, Cleveland says that a couple of players will be Sheriffs, and there will be a couple of honourary members as well that have WHL or NHL experience.
The RCMP officers will be facing off against the Camrose U18 Vikings, but there's a twist. Cleveland says that a couple of the RCMP team's honourary members will include members of the U18 coaching staff.
"I reached out to the (team's) manager there ... and the coaches were in favour (of the game," said Cleveland.
In addition to the game, there will also be a 50/50 draw and a silent auction will all proceeds going to the CRC. Cleveland notes that a special guest will be coming out to do the puck drop.
Tickets for the game are $10, available through the CRC.
Doors for the event will open at 6 p.m. at the Bashaw Arena, with the game scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
