16th Annual Black Bears Charity Hockey Tournament raises $59,000 for local healthcare

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The Black Bears Charity Hockey Tournament has raised $59,000 for two local hospitals in the Upper Ottawa Valley.

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“Every year the tournament chooses a recipient who receives $10,000 and then the rest of the money is divided equally between the Deep River and District Hospital and the Pembroke Regional Hospital,” explained Daniel Venne, one of the event organizers. “This year, the tournament raised $59,000, so the Black Bears Charity Hockey Tournament has donated $24,500 to both the Pembroke Regional Hospital and the Deep River and District Hospital. We would like to thank everyone who helped by donating, volunteering, playing in the tournament, or even showing up to watch some great hockey.”

The annual hockey tournament, which is run by security personnel at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, began 16 years ago. It all started with four teams composed solely of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited employees. Today, the tournament has grown to the biggest adult hockey tournament in the Upper Ottawa Valley, with 18 teams and four divisions. All teams are made up of current and retired CNL/AECL employees.

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With the donation, the Pembroke Regional Hospital was able to purchase a Tono-pen for the Emergency Department which measures ocular pressure and a bladder scanner for the Rehab Department.

“We are so thankful to the Black Bears Charity Hockey Tournament for supporting their local hospitals,” said Roger Martin, executive director of the PRH Foundation. “Over the years, they have generously donated over $100,000 to the Pembroke Regional Hospital, allowing us to buy much needed equipment which is not funded by the government.”

Up at the Deep River and District Hospital, the donation was used to purchase a new cardiac monitor and diagnostic equipment for the hospital’s emergency room.

“We are proud to support Deep River and District Hospital and the important role it plays in our community. The purchase of this new cardiac monitor will enable the hospital staff to provide better care in the emergency room, which is something we are pleased to help with,” Venne said.

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The executive vice-president and chief financial officer of the Deep River hospital, William Willard, expressed gratitude on behalf of the health facility.

“We are incredibly thankful for the generosity of the Blackbears Hockey Club and their ongoing support of our hospital. Our emergency room has seen a recent increase in usage and patient acuity levels, making the new cardiac monitor a crucial addition to the facility,” Willard said.

The Blackbears Hockey Club has been a consistent contributor to the hospital in Deep River in recent years with a total donation amount from their annual tournaments topping $91,000 since the partnership began.

In a press release, the two groups stated they hope to continue working together to ensure the health and well-being of the community.

To learn more about the Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation and how to donate, contact the PRH Foundation office at (613) 732-2811 extension 7408 or visit www.prhfoundation.com.

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