Story and Photos courtesy of Pat Brethauer, www.sarniasports.com
On Sunday October 20 the Bluewater Referee Association (BRA) gave back their earnings in the fight against Breast Cancer.
Matt Murray, a referee with BRA started the event from an an idea formed from a charity event held in October called Dressed for the Cause where everyone wears pink.
L-R Tim Jones, Mark Colbran, Matt Murray, Cody Simpson
"Last summer I approached Dave Ross (BRA President) about doing something like that for the referees in October." Murray said "You see it in the NHL, NFL but nothing in the minor sports. I wanted the referees to wear pink jerseys, pink whistles, everyone in pink and that got the ball rolling. We ask Marshall Copp technical director for Alliance Hockey and they were gamed for it and cleared the paperwork for us."
L-R Calvin Hughson, Lucy Colbran, Nancy Jones, Brett Markham
At the signature event on Sunday, the Lambton Jr. Sting AAA hosted the Windsor Jr. Spitfires and held a special opening ceremonies that included a puck drop by two breast cancer survivors Lucy Colbran (sister-in-law of referee Mark Colbran) and Nancy Jones (wife of referee Tim Jones).
"I've got a couple of family members who had surgery for breast cancer or who had breast cancer." Murray said about the special people who inspired him.
"I'm fortunate that no one in my family has passed away from Breast Cancer however these are for them and for everyone, men and women all across Canada, North America who are battling and those who have survived and for those who have lost."
In support of the referees, the parents of the Jr. Sting contributed donating their 50/50 earnings and selling T-Shirts with a portion of the sale going to the Breast Cancer Society.
Chuck and Diane Renaud representing The Breast Cancer Society of Canada was present at the event accepting donations and providing information.
The final total from the day's event will be announced soon, but Murray expects the total to be well above $500.00.
Note: - Lambton Jr. Sting lost to Windsor 4 - 3.
