The news of 20-year-old Ontario Hockey League player Terry Trafford’s death rippled across Canada last month, receiving nationwide attention from sports media, The Globe and Mail, and Don Cherry on CBC Hockey Night In Canada’s Coach’s Corner. Now, members of the Toronto community that Trafford grew up in have banded together to host an event in honour of his life. Friends, neighbours and family in the Weston area in Toronto will be hosting a charity ball-hockey game, barbeque, and silent auction in the schoolyard of a local primary school that Trafford attended as a child on Sunday, May 11, 2014.
All the money raised will be donated to Kids Help Phone to help address depression and suicide among young adults and youth.
“I am helping to host this event in memory of a friend and in recognition of the impact that mental health can have on an individual and a community,” says Oliver Drigo, the main organizer of the event. “I hope to have the entire community, people that we grew up with and were a part of our lives, come together in celebration of the life and passion of Terry, while contributing to a great cause.”
So far, the event has already raised nearly $200, almost half of Drigo’s original goal of $400. Drigo and other organizers of the event welcome everyone’s participation in the game. While details are still be finalized, the game is expected to be a casual 5 on 5 ball hockey mini-tournament.
All are welcome to help promote, organize, donate or aid the cause in any other way. E-mail the event organizer at oliver_d@hotmail.com.