Kindness makes the world go round.
And in Stonewall, a kind deed is making a big difference for a family in need.
The U15 Stonewall Blues A1 team recently had the opportunity to clean up the old post office after a movie was filmed there. They received $250 for their efforts, which they decided to donate as a way to give back.
Chris Arbez has coached most of the players at some point, and his son currently plays for the team.
“Since I was involved with these players in the past, along with the manager Monica James, we have always thought that it was important for these kids to give back in one way or another. In past seasons the majority of this team has been involved in community volunteer work,” he said.
“They have raked leaves for elderly people, worked several shifts organizing and packing up food for habitat for humanity, raised funds for the Christmas Cheer Board by shovelling driveways after a snow storm and donating over $900, picked up garbage after a film crew to make another donation to the Cheer Board.”
A representative at the local legion contacted Arbez to see if the team would interested in raising some funds through another film cleanup in January.
The team worked together on the cleanup efforts and decided to use the funds to buy a gift card from Family Foods to give to a family that could use a hand.
“Since it was a smaller donation, we thought that it would be best if one family could get the money to make a bigger impact. Not all of the team could make the event, but the players that were there were told the story of the family that the money went to. Like most teenage boys, there was not a significant reaction, but you know deep down everyone likes to do something nice for others.”
Adding to the altruistic efforts, Family Foods matched the donation for an overall total of $500 in gift cards for the grocery store.
“I have taken notice in the past hockey tournaments when Family Foods has made financial and food donations to local tournaments, so I was not surprised by their generosity — but was shocked when they doubled our donation. These acts are important to show the team and the parents that a little bit of kindness and generosity can go a long way. It tends to multiply itself,” Arbez said.
“The volunteers gave up an hour of their time, and I am sure it eased the burden of the receiving family for some time and may have brought a little joy to them. Sometimes it is all right to look up from the phone or the gaming systems and do something nice for someone without expecting something in return.”
Kristle Snell, Family Foods owner, was also happy to help out.
“In this community, everyone is so close. We always try to work together,” she said. “It’s a local contribution and it’s the least that I could have done in this situation.”
If there are other opportunities where someone needs a hand, Arbez recommends not being shy to reach out to community teams.
“There is always a demand for funds to be raised as sports are becoming more expensive every day,” he said.
“There are a lot of teams that could use the money and the experience. Your local clubs can be a good resource to make a big job small.”
