After winning a stop on the Kraft Celebration Tour and receiving $25,000 to renovate an outdoor lacrosse facility, instead of focusing on their own needs, the community of Wallaceburg came together with an amazing display of sportsmanship giving $5000 back to Trenton, the town they defeated in the Kraft vote.
“It just seemed like the right thing to do,” said Greg Hetherington, CKXS 99.1 FM’s General Manager and Morning Show Host who spearheaded the fundraiser for Trenton’s High School Track Quest.
“They managed almost 450,000 votes, and lost. It was like two great teams battling, and in the end, it seemed wrong that one team had to lose. This is just good sportsmanship.”
Trenton received over 436,000 votes, the most of any community in the nationwide vote aside from Wallaceburg’s record setting 593,000. Although the vote was a competition, according to Hetherington, the Kraft Celebration Tour gives Canada a chance to see what the people of Wallaceburg and Chatham-Kent are about.
“When Kraft and TSN leave, and after all the things are said about Wallaceburg, and the community, I hope this gesture will show who we are as a community. To me, Wallaceburg, and Dresden, and all of Chatham-Kent is about the people.”
“The community has had tough times, but we keep working, and pushing forward. This gesture I think shows a little about who we are. We’re giving, caring, hard working, understanding, and community minded.”
After receiving the check for $5000, Trenton resident and organizer for the Trenton High School Track Quest Duncan Armstrong, who made the trip to Wallaceburg to take part in the Kraft Celebration Tour, couldn’t say enough about Wallaceburg.
“The gesture of support for the THS Track Quest is very special,” said Armstrong.
“We know that Wallaceburg, like our community, is in need of funds. To make an extra stride on our behalf is a sign of true sportsmanship and citizens that know how to win with class.”
The money was raised by business, church, and personal donations, and a week long on air auction held by Wallaceburg’s CKXS 99.1 FM.
Hetherington, hopes this act is something youth can learn from, “It’s true sportsmanship. We wanted to win, but that’s it. We didn’t want to crush Trenton, or belittle them in anyway. We just wanted to do our best.”
The Kraft Celebration Tour and TSN’s visits to Canadian communities promote and support local minor athletics; something the community of Wallaceburg is committed to, whether it’s their own outdoor lacrosse facility, or the track of a neighbour nearly 6 hours down the 401.
“It’s so important to support athletics in towns like Trenton and Wallaceburg because many life lessons are learned through athletics,” said Gary Patterson, Hetherington’s fellow CKXS General Manager. “It shows the kids that working together can accomplish so much more.”
“I think athletics is an opportunity for kids to have a positive outlet to focus their attention,” said Hetherington. “It teaches them teamwork. And in their lifetime, there will be many times that they will have to work together with others to be successful in their career. Sports teach them the importance of every player.”
For Wallaceburg, “every player” also includes the youth of Trenton; a belief that was not met by questions or opposition in Wallaceburg despite their own needs, but instead, was embraced from all corners of the community.
“I know our community could use money for many projects in the area,” said Hetherington; “Giving back, it’s just what we do, it’s who we are as a community.”
