This is certainly a day to pause and reflect, and to share special memories with family and friends. It is also a day to remember and cherish the things we are thankful for.
From a basketball league perspective, we are certainly thankful for the many people, organizations and businesses that help us continue to make a difference in the lives of our players and families, and have continued to allow us to do that for all of our 72 years of existence. It is a long list and not in any particular order but here are some of the difference makers we are definitely thankful for.
There is no better place to start than with Don “Pete” Petersen, the founder of the league we all enjoy today. As a 17 year old caretaker at St. Pat’s School he opened the school to give the children in his neighbourhood a place to come in and enjoy the experience of playing on a team. From those modest and innocent beginnings, he nurtured the growth and gave mentorship and guidance to allow us to grow to where we are today.
Without the support of the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board from day one, we would not be where we are today. We are blessed to have had the support of the leadership at both the board and from staff at both schools where we play. Thank you for believing in us.
The many hundreds of volunteers over the years that have stepped up without hesitation to do whatever needs to be done to keep the league running. The executive, the coaches, the referees, timers, scorers, canteen staff, chair stackers, ticket and clothing sellers, uniform cleaners and floor sweepers all do that because they believe in what Don Petersen taught us – you are here for the kids.
The support of the business community has been outstanding over the years to make our “experience” special. The sponsorships of player of the week by McDonald’s, Coffee Way,and Bubba’s on King Street; the Volunteer of the week support by Gino’s Pisanos Old School; prize donations for the golf tournament and other fund raisers; Five Guys and the RCHA Brigade Association for special fund raising events, Bridget Walker Payne Desjardins Insurance for registration day treats and banquet props; Our lady of Fatima Parish Hall that has been a great banquet supporter, Tanya’s no Frills and Pepsi for their banquet support, Brad at Exclusive Cooling, Zoe at Chez Piggy / Pan Chancho, Frank at SportChek with Sneaker draw help, The Trophy House for all our special needs, and Raymond James are some of the businesses that have been instrumental over the years. The Kingstonist has stepped up and ensured our weekly scores are published for the community to see. A full list of businesses is on our web site.
There are also the many individual donors that give us support through anonymous donations, donations in memory of loved ones and who just want to help us do what we do. St. Lawrence College, KSS, and Regiopolis Notre Dame make places available for our players at their basketball camps. The Queen’s women’s basketball and volleyball teams have donated shoes for our emergency supplies without hesitation, and of course Doug Vivian who designed and built the side line cover rollers and Nancy Vivian who has tirelessly repaired uniforms for many years. The list of those individuals is on the web site as well.
And finally the group that is with us every day supporting what we do – the families of the players. Thank you for believing in us and wanting your children to share the experience that many of you had when you were younger. We strive to make the evenings we spend together a positive experience as we create basketball memories for a lifetime. Family, friends and fun for 72 years. That is definitely something to be thankful for! Roland
