VIP connections

Times Reporter 

 

Meant to connect and give back to the supportive Strathmore community, the UFA Bisons are hosting a VIP event with the help of the Rockyview Raiders for their Dec. 13 game against the Calgary Northstars at the Strathmore Family Centre. The very important people will include children with special needs from schools in the area, as well as special needs adults.

“I feel that special needs kids don’t have the opportunity that most teenage kids have,” said Michelle Bishop, the event coordinator, who works with disabled children at Strathmore High School (SHS). “Teenagers have those social connections, whereas it’s more difficult for kids with disabilities and special needs in a small town to make those connections.”

Bishop will be sending letters out to schools to bring attention to the event, and informing the AIM Society (Advocacy In Motion) to gather the VIPs. 

“(AIM) are kids that have graduated from high school, and out in the community working — with support,” Bishop said. “Once you graduate from high school, you kind of fall out of touch. They can come and connect with the kids who are still in school.”

Special attendees will be mentored and kept company by the AMMHL Rockyview Raiders for the Dec. 13 game, in a roped-off section behind the Bisons’ bench.

“This was my idea with support from the Bisons,” Bishop said, whose son Joshua plays for the team. “I brought up the idea at the beginning of the season, and they’ve encouraged me into doing this. They thought it was a good idea for the team to help.”

Students have been invited to sing the national anthem for the crowd. Strathmore High School’s leadership class will be assisting, along with parents and friends. Attendees can also snap pictures with SHS’s mascot Sparty and Santa Claus. 

“There’s really nothing in Strathmore for kids to do or hang out in a safe environment,” Bishop said. “These kids make my day everyday – they make me smile, are grateful and very proud. I believe each of these students deserve to be treated to a special night. I would really like to have them come to the Bisons’ game to help cheer on our boys.” 

Warm-up begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by puck drop a half hour later. Admission is $3 for adults, and $2 for seniors and students (SHS students are free with an ID card). Everyone is encouraged to bring a food bank item or an unwrapped gift; names will then be put into a prize-winning basket. There will be a meet and greet with the Bisons after the game as well.

Bishop plans to run more events like this in the future. For more information, contact her at mbishop6@telus.net.