Dave Pritchard is hoping to raise at least $30,000 for Ronald McDonald House B.C. at this year’s True Tourney, which will feature 24 teams.Jeff Bassett/The Globe and Mail
The Gift: Raising $120,000 and climbing
The Cause: Ronald McDonald House B.C.
A few years ago, Dave Pritchard was playing in a recreational hockey league for engineers in Toronto when he thought the event could be put to better use, such as raising money for charity.
Mr. Pritchard eventually moved to Kelowna, B.C., began managing a branch office for an engineering firm called True Consulting, and started a family. But the idea of organizing a hockey tournament for charity stuck with him.
"It was just an idea I carried with me," he recalled from his office in Kelowna. "Charging a bit more [to play] might do some good."
He made a first attempt in 2008, scratching together eight teams for a small tournament to raise money for the local Ronald McDonald House, a home for out-of-town families with children who require medical treatment for serious illnesses. The teams raised $10,000 and soon Mr. Pritchard didn't have to work as hard to find teams.
This year's "True Tourney," on May 24-25, will feature 24 teams and Mr. Pritchard is hoping to raise at least $30,000. So far, the event has raised $120,000 in total for Ronald McDonald House.
Mr. Pritchard, 42, said he chose the charity in part because he and many of his colleagues have young children.
"As a father blessed with two healthy young children, aged nine and seven, I feel that there but for the grace of God go I, and can scarcely imagine the burden these families face, and the support they require in their hour of need," he said. "It's inspiring to see the people who work there. They are the most positive people you'll find."
Paul Waldie