The Blackfalds Multiplex was completely transformed for the Raise the Rink fundraiser to raise money for the dual ice surface.

Although the town of Blackfalds has committed to providing 12 million dollars in their proposed 2021 budget, the Dual Ice Development Society or DIDS is looking to raise an additional million to personalize the multiplex.

“Tonight is to bring awareness to our cause and to raise money for all the extras in our arena. Like live video, so people can watch live hockey games when they are not at home, water fountains, different warm-up areas, nice dressing rooms, all the extras. The town will build the building but we want all the extra stuff so the stuff that makes it personal to the people using it.” Sandra Congdon, fundraiser coordinator.

The event sold approximately 275 seats at 70 dollars a seat raising a substantial amount of money on its own but paired with raffles and other activities being offered the event was quite successful in other ways as well. During past fundraising events, communities were not afraid to provide generous donations and it’s very likely that Saturday night wasn’t any different.

“We have had so many generous donations, amazing, amazing donations from the community and from Red Deer and Lacombe communities and businesses. It’s been fantastic. We hit the jackpot with donations with a live auction and silent auction. It really came together we were kind of surprised.”

However, the event wasn’t just to raise money for the multiplex, it was also meant for hockey parents and families to celebrate the end of hockey season.

“We have raffles, we have drinks, we have dinner, Hayley Wickenheiser is coming and speaking so we’re super pumped about that we’re super excited to have her here. Games and dance and just having a good time a good night for us hockey parents that are done our season,” said Congdon laughing with excitement.

DIDS is hoping to continue the ‘Raise the Rink’ every year until the arena is built and then pass off the event to another organization. Congdon wants people to look out for any event with the DIDS acronym and know that if they see the acronym that they are supporting the dual ice surface.

“We don’t have enough ice. Our community is growing, Lacombe, and Red Deer communities are growing. There just isn’t enough ice for all of the hockey teams. It means so much, it’s our Canadian sport we’d like to have everybody have ice and not have to turn anybody away,” explained Congdon.

To donate or learn more about the Dual Ice Development Society, click here.