REGINA, Saskatchewan–Saskatchewan’s credit unions have come together to support the newly-created SJHL Assistance Program, which was created in the wake of the tragedy surrounding the Humboldt Broncos hockey team. Sixteen members of the team were killed and another 13 were injured during a bus crash.
Nipawin-basedDiamond North Credit Union was the first Saskatchewan credit union to engage the support of the community, collecting donations to be directly provided to the Humboldt Broncos.
“Once we learned of the magnitude of the accident, which was in our own backyard, we knew we had to set up an account for donations,” said John Shenher, CEO of Diamond North, in a statement. ”We knew our members and community would want to help financially and that we could assist.”
Cooperatives across the province have been involved in fundraising.
“Credit unions are co-operatives. Supporting and bringing communities together in times of need is what we do. It’s at the very heart of our co-operative and credit union values,” said Keith Nixon, CEO of SaskCentral. “It made sense for us to align with and further support the efforts of the Co-operative Retail System. Offering our support allows us to be part of the healing process throughout our communities.”
The Canadian Credit Union Association has also been assisting in reaching out to credit unions beyond Saskatchewan’s borders. Additional donations were collected for the program from credit unions across Canada.
The SJHL Assistance Program will provide mental health assistance to all players, families and billets across the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League affected by this tragedy. Any extra money will be used to start an educational fund in memory of the lives lost.