First responders hit the ice to support a good cause in Niagara Falls

Hundreds of first responders will hit the ice at the Gale Centre Arena in Niagara Falls over the next 2 days in support of a good cause.

After spending more than a decade as a correctional officer in Niagara and Ottawa, Mike Kobylansky has seen firsthand the toll of being a first responder can have.

Kobylansky says he was inspired to give back while taking part in a charity tournament earlier this year and quickly started drawing up plans for his own with a goal to raise awareness and funds for the mental health of first responders.

His dream quickly became a reality and has 12 teams taking part over the next 2 days made up mostly of emergency and frontline workers from across Ontario, including firefighters, police officers, and correctional facilities.

All money raised at the tournament here will go to Boots On The Ground, a peer support group for first responders.

Founded in 2019, the organization, which is completely run and staffed by volunteers, provides confidential and anonymous support 24/7 for emergency personnel in Ontario.

In addition to the 2-day tournament, Kobylansky has also solicited donations from more than 50 local businesses for prizes for a raffle that will be held Tuesday afternoon.

Koblyansky says he has set a goal to raise $10,000 this year and is optimistic he will get there. He is hoping to make the tournament an annual event.