Local business hosts fundraiser for minor hockey

By Janet Kanters Times Editor

A brazen Christmas day theft of the Strathmore Minor Hockey Association ATM machine from the Strathmore Family Centre has prompted a local business to initiate a fundraiser in support of minor hockey.
Renaissance Bakery, a new business in Strathmore, has already hosted one fundraiser day, and more are planned.
“We were disheartened by the news that the ATM had been stolen from the Strathmore hockey rink on Dec. 25. We were aware that the money made from the use of the ATM directly funded and supported the youth who are involved in hockey in Strathmore,” said Deborah Solda, owner of Renaissance Bakery. “My granddaughter has been involved in Strathmore hockey as a player and now is coaching, and we have enjoyed many games watching from the bleachers. We know how costly the sport of hockey has become and the theft of the ATM was a devastating loss.”
On Feb. 18, the bakery held a cupcake and cookie fundraiser, with $1,000 raised. From March 21-24, the bakery will host a second fundraising drive, with 100 per cent of the proceeds of select items going directly to minor hockey.
“We are a new business and have only been open two and a half months, and the support we have received from the Strathmore community has been tremendous,” said Solda. “We felt that a fundraiser to recoup some of the loss felt by the hockey community was a way we could give back to the community.
“We are now planning for the fundraiser in March which will include the sale of pastries once again, live music and a silent auction.”
According to Solda, the funds raised for minor hockey will be used by the Strathmore Minor Hockey Association to fund tournaments and other events for the youth involved in hockey.
Solda’s passion to contribute to and help the community doesn’t end with hockey. On Monday, Feb. 25, the bakery celebrated National Cupcake Day for SPCAs and Humane Societies by donating $1 for every cupcake sold to Happy Cat Sanctuary.
“We are animal lovers,” said Solda. “We owned and operated a bakery in Lacombe and it was important to us to support Alley Cat Rescue, Lacombe and Red Deer. Happy Cat is close to my heart as I am a cat lover and an advocate for the rescue and rehoming of unwanted and discarded domestic cats, and the trapping, sterilization and release of feral cats.”
Solda said community events, fundraisers and gatherings are a great way to connect with other businesses, establish new friendships and future relationships.
“We feel that one of the most important things we can do as a small business is to take an active role in our community,” she noted. New friendships and future relationships “will ultimately allow our town to thrive and bring people together with a sense of belonging which connects us in every way.”