The 13th Julia’s Hope Cup is tomorrow at Chippewa Park in Welland, and is a day filled with hockey and food for a good cause.
Organizer Paul Turner says while the tournament is traditionally played on a pond, temperatures haven’t always cooperated over the years. Turner adds if the pond is all water, they’ll shift to a road hockey tournament.
Funds raised during the February 17th event will go towards The Hope Centre, which had over 19,000 visits to their food bank in 2023. Turner says it’s important to make the event accessible to all, even if they aren’t playing or can’t afford to donate.
Julia Turner.
The event also hosts a silent auction, has food available for any attendees and typically can see as many as 1000 people throughout the day. The tournament is in honour of Paul’s late daughter, Julia, who passed away after a battle with cancer in 2011 at the age of 15. Turner says the community support throughout the years has been heartwarming.
Last year, the event brought in $54,000 in donations. Donations can be made here.
Classic Rock 91.7 Giant FM and Niagara’s New Country 89.1 will be entering a team in the event, the ‘Giant Country Boys’.
