Ball hockey tournament raises funds for Welland Hope Centre

With the kind of weather we’ve been having lately, there’s not enough ice for pond hockey in many places. So the community of Welland made its annual pond hockey tournament a ball hockey championship today. And it was still determined to turn a tragedy from the past into hope for the future.

The first ball dropped to start Welland’s annual Julia’s Hope Cup Tournament and started eight teams in a competition for ball hockey glory.

The tournament brought together players and the Welland community in support of a family and their cause in memory of their daughter.

“If you have lost a kid you’ll understand that that pain will be with you forever. However easing the pain is the support of community and friends and family and that’s what keeps our heart going.” said Paul Turner.

The tournament is named for Paul’s daughter Julia who was just 15 when she died of brain cancer in 2011.

“An angel even when she was living here on earth. She cared deeply about those who were in need.”

This tournament keeps her memory alive, and raises money for causes she cared about. There is also a silent auction and the kinds of things that go along with community activity.

In the end the tournament was able to make a substantial contribution to the Hope Centre in Welland, and its efforts to help people in need get through these tough economic times.

While the tournament topped $40,000 today, Julia’s father says they’ve been able to raise more than $350,000 in her name in the years since her death.

“Its a testament to our community and even when people are struggling they’re still going in their pocket and giving money.”