After learning about the tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on February 10, Theresa Nevills, residing over a thousand kilometers away on Vancouver Island, was deeply affected. The unfolding details from the small community of around 2,400 inhabitants shocked her, as it was unexpected for such a close-knit town.
Despite not having any direct connections to Tumbler Ridge, Theresa Nevills, a retired aviation maintenance superintendent from the Royal Canadian Air Force, felt a strong urge to offer support. She took notice of how the local community center became a safe haven for residents in the aftermath of the tragedy and decided to nominate Tumbler Ridge for Kraft’s annual Hockeyville contest after realizing no one else had done so.
The community center, serving as a hub for various recreational activities like the arena, pool, library, and curling rink, holds a special place in the hearts of the locals. Nevills emphasized the significance of this space for bringing people together to provide comfort and solidarity during challenging times.
The Hockeyville contest offers a grand prize of $250,000 for arena upgrades and the opportunity to host an NHL preseason game. Nevills, having experienced the positive impact of winning the contest in Stirling-Rawdon, Ont., during her time in nearby Trenton, saw this as a golden opportunity for Canadians to unite in supporting Tumbler Ridge’s healing process.
The nomination received notable backing from individuals like Hayley Wickenheiser, an Olympic gold medalist and Hockey Hall of Famer, who shared the Tumbler Ridge campaign on social media to her extensive following. Wickenheiser, who had a personal connection with one of the survivors participating in her hockey tournament, expressed her deep empathy and support for the community.
As the deadline for Hockeyville nominations approaches on March 1, Nevills remains hopeful that Tumbler Ridge, amidst its recovery journey, will garner the support needed to emerge victorious. She commends the resilience and unity displayed by the residents as they navigate through the aftermath of the tragedy and come together to rebuild their community stronger than before.