CHESTERMERE – The holiday season is a wonderful time to be giving, whether it is time or monetary donations, it is always welcome. The UFA Small Town Heroes contest has been going on for several months with a number of events that were planned throughout the province and finally winding up the campaign in late October. Our local hero, Alex Halet, has been one of the people around Chestermere who have been a focal point of the UFA Small Town Hero contest. He and his teammates contributed more than $1 million to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation with the World’s Longest Hockey Game. Although Alex didn’t win the grand prize, he was one of the 8 finalists. The eight finalists each received a $2500 prize to contribute to their respective causes, along with a $3500 share of the proceeds from a third Paul Brandt concert held in Ponoka Alberta, totaling $6000 each. Alex chose to donate to the Christmas With Dignity Fund and share an equal amount to the Summits For Seniors; both were given cheques of $3000 each.
This year’s grand prize recipients were Ed Boychuk from Smoky Lake Alberta and Mack Erno from Teepee Creek Alberta. Ed and Mack each received $10,000 from UFA along with a UFA-sponsored concert by country music superstar Paul Brandt. Proceeds from the concerts also benefited their local community initiatives.
“In total, the 2012 Small Town Heroes contest generated $160,000 that has been distributed among thirteen organizations,” said Bob Nelson, President and CEO, UFA Co-operative Limited. “We are exceptionally proud of the outcome and humbled by the unselfish efforts of our local heroes. We are thrilled that UFA has been able to recognize these special Albertans in such a public way and continue our mission to enable rural success.”
