Peacock Collegiate hosts an annual tournament called “Helping Hoops” which donated its proceeds to Riverside Mission for Monday’s supper.
The tournament was a senior and junior format this year with 15 teams participating, said Raman Mall, assistant coach for the Peacock Toilers senior basketball team. “It’s an annual event,” Mall said, “and this year we ended up donating funds for one meal here.”
The Helping Hoops tournament paid for the 4 p.m. meal at Riverside Mission on Monday, and the players were at Riverside to help prepare and serve that meal.
Mall and Troy Setter, head coach of the team, were on hand to supervise. However, the team members were taking care of the meal preparation and serving by themselves. Both coaches agreed that it was a good use of their time.
Rachel Mullens, director of emergency services for Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in both Regina and Moose Jaw, said “I think it’s awesome when we can get young people coming in and helping out.”
Mullens added that when young people come out to Riverside Mission or other charity organizations, it shows that all ages are concerned for their community. It also raises awareness for teenagers of how many people are in need and what that need looks like.
The kitchen/serving area at Riverside Mission had about ten members of the Toilers buttering bread rolls, chopping carrots, pouring cups of coffee and tea, and handing clients their meals. Mullens was happy to say that because so many members of the team came out, she was able to get their help preparing for Wednesday’s Christmas dinner as well.
Lance Geddes, a member of the team, said that it feels good to help people. Geddes added that the people they were serving didn’t mean to end up where they are (needing help), and it isn’t their fault, which is why he was happy to be there providing a meal.
Rafael Pondevida, another member of the team, said “I think that it’s good that we’re here helping out. It’s good for the community. These people can’t afford their own meals, but they still need to eat.”
Other team members agreed, saying that while basketball and fun are the reasons they’re on the team, they were also glad to be taking the time to support their community.
