RBC gives $10K to NOFCC
Rayside Balfour Canadians of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have scored big for the Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer group.
In a physically-distanced presentation held earlier this week, Rayside Balfour owners Mark Burgess and Karen Burgess were joined by other Canadians team personnel, including managing director Blaine Smith, in handing over a cheque for $10,000 to NOFCC executive director Dayna Caruso.
The $10,000 represents proceeds from Rayside Balfour’s Super Mario jersey night fundraiser from a February 27 game against the Blind River Beavers.
The fundraiser game itself raised $7,500 and the husband-wife ownership duo of the aforementioned Mark and Karen Burgess added another $2,500.
The Burgess family, who took over ownership of the NOJHL Canadians before the start of the 2019-2020 season, previously owned the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League for a 30-year period.
As well known philanthropists in the Greater Sudbury area, the Burgess family has combined junior hockey and generosity for a long time.
“It is great to be involved in junior hockey again and one of the things we always did, and those who have followed us for 30 years know, is we have always tried to give back to our community,” relayed Mark Burgess.
“Be it specific charities or putting money back into minor hockey and sports, we have always done that,” Burgess added.
Mr.Burgess and Mr Smith took a lot of criticism when owning and operating the Sudbury Wolves. Sometimes petty. Junior hockey is a business, but community is always the most important connection as demonstrated by their new organization. The NOJHL is fortunate to have partners like this. Keep up the good work!