Officials all across North America have been participating in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. One of our favorite such videos came from the GMHL. Now, the whole organization is stepping under the bucket.
The Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League (GMHL) officials have a huge event planned for this Wednesday, September 10, 2014 in Orangeville, Ontario. Thirty of the GMHL officials – including the ref in the video linked above – will be dumped at center ice for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. (Of course, you don’t have to wait for that. You can make a donation now via the GMHL Officials’ ALS Page.)
The ice-dump will take place at the Orangeville Americans’ home opener at Alder Arena. The Americans will get the buckets. The refs… well, they’ll get the ice.
This is the second of two events held by the GMHL officials. The first, held with northern officials unable to make the event on September 10, was a great success.
GMHL Ice Bucket Challenge held September 5 in Temiscaming, PQ
GMHL Officials Adopt ALS Canada as Primary Charity
Additionally, the GMHL officials have officially announced that ALS Canada will be their main charity. They will be doing ongoing fundraising all year, including future commitments to this great cause. The move was prompted in part by the direct impact of the disease on a member of the GMHL officials family.
The wife of official Jim McFarlin (#20) was recently diagnosed with ALS. “Jim McFarlin is a big part of our officiating family,” said William Newman of the GMHL Officials, “and we are doing everything that we can to help support not only ALS Canada but Jim and Pam directly.”
The officials will also be adding a special patch to their uniforms this season to show their support for ALS Canada.
GMHL 2014-15 Referee Jerseys with ALS Canada Patch
To make a donation, visit the GMHL Officials’ ALS Page. Help support their efforts to raise awareness – as well as raise money – for a charity impacting over 3,000 Canadians, including one of the GMHL officials’ family.
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