I don’t want to take credit where credit isn’t warranted, but two communities that I have lived in have been named a winner in a Kraft Celebration Tour — Creston and Barrhead. Creston’s Community Living’s Therapeutic Riding Program won $25,000 and a visit from TSN which broadcast an edition of SportsCentre, while Barrhead’s Curling Club received $100,000.
When I was living in Whitecourt, the Community Lunch Box Program also won $25,000 in the Scotiabank and Canadian Football League sponsored Game Changers program.
Now, I’m not saying I was the reason why all those communities won, but then again who knows. And if I was part of the reason those communities took home the cash, perhaps some of whatever that was could rub off and help the Rich Valley Agricultural Society take home the $250,000 and the potential of hosting an NHL game in the Kraft Hockeyville contest, well so much the better.
Admittedly how much luck I actually brought to the communities can be debated, as the last time I spent any time in my hometown of Creston was well before they won 2012 contest and in I actually missed Barrhead’s win by two and a half weeks, although I like to think my imminent arrival might have had something to do with it.
However, if the number “Please Play Again” Tim Hortons’ cups is any indication of luck, I may be one of the unluckiest people in the country. One out of every six is a winner — I don’t think so.
All kidding aside, this is a tremendous opportunity for Rich Valley and one I hope they can take advantage of.
For those readers who followed Barrhead’s swimming pool debate know that I take exception to those that say recreation facilities are essential to the survival of a community. They are not, clean water, working sewer systems, are essential, but that doesn’t mean they are not important. They are — a fact Rich Valley is finding out first hand.
A hockey rink might not be essential for survival, but they are crucial in maintaining a community’s identity and perhaps its soul.
So when the time comes to vote for Rich Valley and I encourage everyone to do so. Let’s all do our part to help Rich Valley keep its identity.
