Kuzmich tournament raises $12,000
By Chris Simon

Photo by Chris Simon Organizers of the Kuzmich Memorial Hockey Tournament handed over $6,000 cheques to Innisfil council and the Canadian Crime Victim Foundation representatives last week. The money will be used for upgrades to Innisfil Beach Park, and support services for victims of violent crime.

The Kuzmich Memorial Hockey Tournament had another successful year, raising thousands of dollars for two separate charities.

The South Simcoe Police Service's annual tournament was held at the Lefroy Arena in March. It raised $6,000 for upgrades to Innisfil Beach Park and $6,000 for the Canadian Crime Victim Foundation, said Sgt. Bob Eeles.

"Since 1999, our committee has been putting on hockey tournaments. All money raised is returned to the community," he said, before presenting cheques to mayor Brian Jackson and crime fund founders Lozanne and Joe Wamback. "This year, one of our goals was to raise money for the restoration of (the) park and get some new equipment for the kids down there. It was an event with a lot of fun, and a lot of work."

In total, 18 teams participated in the tournament, while auctions were held featuring spa packages, sports memorabilia and other items.

Kuzmich died after being struck by a vehicle while setting up a spike belt on Highway 11 in August 2002. The tournament was later renamed after Kuzmich. Eeles knew Kuzmich well, saying the former constable loved hockey.

Eeles says the money has been donated to two worthy causes, which both represent Kuzmich's legacy well.

"All the people who work for this crime foundation are there on their own free will, it's all volunteer," he said. "All contributions they get go directly to the victims. I hope this will be used for someone who can really use it."

The crime fund was established in 2002, after the Wamback's son Jonathan was beaten by young offenders several years earlier. The family has since worked to provide support for other victims of crime and bring awareness to flaws in the Canadian justice system.

We're overwhelmed with the generosity," said Joe. "We provide something that no one else has done; that is to support and provide funding and educational opportunities for victims of violence."

This year, the fund will provide a full university scholarship to a girl whose parents were killed in Brampton over one week ago. Another student, whose sister was killed at York University over one year ago will also receive a scholarship.

Several secondary schools across Ontario will also receive scholarships this year, for students who have fought against bullying and violence, said Joe.

Jackson says town staff appreciate the park donation.

"The tournament is a lot of fun and it's a lot of hard work," he said. "(They've) been very successful for the last few years. You'll see some activity down there, and a change to our park. It's going to a very good cause."