POINTE CLAIRE OLDTIMERS HOCKEY CLUB DONATES $43,500

On Nov. 27, the Pointe-Claire Old-timers Hockey Club (“PCOT”) hosted its most important event of the year, Donation Night. Held at the Pointe-Claire Aquatic center with several club members and community leaders on hand, the PCOT remitted $43,500.00 raised at its annual international hockey tournament to representatives of 41 charities and organizations.

“The proceeds from this annual event enable the club to fulfill one of its primary missions – to give back to the community,” said Cliff Davies, PCOT president. “Including this year’s amount, PCOT has donated in excess of $600,000 to several charities and local community organizations requiring assistance. We like to think of Donation Night as a celebration of our efforts. It truly embodies our club’s motto which is ‘For the love of the game, for the good of our community’.”

“We never dreamed back in 1970 that our club would have contributed so much money over the years” said Bill Wilkinson, an original PCOT founding member. “Back then, we felt that organizing a tournament to raise funds for various charities was the right thing to do. I’m thrilled that the tradition and donations have grown over the years”.

Pointe-Claire mayor Bill McMurchie agrees. “It’s good to see the old geezers doing some good. The PCOT have been active members of our community for decades. Their hockey tournament in April is world class and provides a positive image of Pointe-Claire to visitors attending the event. Heck, I’d love to play with them, but I’m still not old enough to join their club!”

Among this year’s recipients was the Lakeshore General Hospital. “With the continued budgetary challenges that we face, every contribution from our community helps” said Martha Allman from the Hospital.

Paul McDonald from the Angela’s Big Hearts for Little Kids Fund echoes the sentiment. “I’m glad that people in our community care about those in need, especially low profile organizations such as ours. It sustains our spirit and energy in achieving our goals”.

Since its inception in 1970, the PCOT hockey tournament has evolved to become the longest running and one of the biggest oldtimers hockey tournaments in the world. This year’s tournament, its 38th, was held in April and had 70 participating teams coming from Quebec, Ontario, the north-eastern United States, Florida and Switzerland.

“You can’t organize a tournament of this scale without the dedication and passion of its volunteers”, said Doug Duke, an organizer for the 2007 tournament. “We have a high participation rate among club members, as well as their families. It’s truly a remarkable and enriching effort. Of course, we are also very grateful to the numerous companies and entities, including the City of Pointe-Claire, which have sponsored us over the years. Their continued support is always appreciated”.