PORT ALBERNI – CUPE 118, municipal workers in Port Alberni, sponsored the first playoff hockey game of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs last night as part of their action to build community support for public services.
The Local welcomed local hockey fans at the CUPE booth that featured photos of members at work in Port Alberni (taken by CUPE 118 member Ryan Foster). Fans were able to pick up decals in support of public services, get information on what CUPE does, and enter a draw. The draw was for a CUPE BC prize package – a CUPE BC men’s and ladies golf shirt, golf towel, CUPE microfibre toque, Stop Bullying T-Shirt, CUPE key chain, frisbee, and 2 stainless steel water bottles.
CUPE 118 provided prizes and sponsored an airplane toss at the first intermission. Hockey fans put their name and phone number on red paper, folded them into paper airplanes and threw them onto the ice, trying to get them closest to a face-off circle. First prize was a $100 Parks and Recreation gift certificate and a family pass to the March 10 game. Second prize was a $50 Parks and Recreation gift certificate and two passes to the March 10game.
Port Alberni Bulldogs’ games are a big part of the community and attendance at this Coast Conference semi-final playoff game was boosted by both community hockey spirit and spring break. Before the game, kids played street hockey outside the Alberni Valley Multiplex arena as a local youth band played as warm-up for popular Island band Manther.
Near the end of their performance, Manther blew a sub-woofer that caught on fire and CUPE 118 member Ryan Foster came to the rescue with a fire extinguisher. It’s just another example of CUPE members pitching in to do what’s needed – whether they’re on the job or off.
Although the Bulldogs did not win their opening playoff game – final score was Nanaimo Clippers 3/Alberni Valley Bulldogs 1 – Port Alberni residents win every day through quality public services provided by CUPE 118 members.
