UXBRIDGE: The fifth Annual Cam’s Cup Pond Hockey Tournament is taking place on Saturday February 8th, on Elgin Pond, in Uxbridge in support of Cam’s Kids.
Vanessa Morgan, Cam’s Kids National Coordinator, and Meghan Kelleher, Community Outreach and Development Coordinator, appeared before council recently to explain the event, and the tremendous impact it has made, locally and across the country.
Ms. Kelleher was pleased to report that the event has once again sold out, with 128 players registered ranging in age from 20 to 55. While all of the spots on the ice are spoken for, as Ms. Kelleher explained, there is an entire day of activity away from the ice as part of the event.
“This year, we will have Bauer Hockey on hand for special demonstrations. We’re also collecting old skates and equipment with our partners at Skate to Great to assist those in need, and Annina’s Bake Shop will be on site for refreshments.”
Regarding the potential impact of weather on the event, Ms. Kelleher advised they will use the Quaker Village Parking Lot as a back-up plan should the ice on Elgin Pond not be suitable.
Ms. Morgan opened the presentation with a brief background history on Cam’s Kids. She explained that they formed the organization in memory of Uxbridge’s Cameron Hicks, who struggled with anxiety, and was established to assist and support young people struggling with anxietyMs. Kelleher was proud to announce Bell Kid’s Help Phone is now one of the Cam’s Kids partners.
Ms. Morgan explained, Cam’s Kids has grown nationwide and is expanding their website and resources to include tips on how to manage mental health. “We currently have around 300 Ambassadors, and we’re looking to expand more into high schools. We are already present at most colleges and universities,” explained Ms. Morgan.