The Telegram - News - Local

Young son reason for the rink, dad says


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Published on January 21, 2013 at 16:49:34
Glen Whiffen/The Telegram

There are backyard rinks, and then there’s the backyard hockey rink Todd Churchill built at his Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s home. It’s 95 feet by 46 feet (about one quarter the size of an NHL ice surface) and is complete with boards and ads, painted lines, nets, lighting and in-ice logos. But what is bigger than the rink is the desire of Churchill and his wife, Kimberly, to raise money for charities associated with, or that support, research into the medical conditions their youngest son, Carter, is dealing with. “My youngest son Carter was born on Feb. 8, 2011, and spent four weeks in the NICU at the Janeway due to numerous complications at birth,” Churchill states on his website www.reasonfortherink.com. The Churchill’s have an older son named Hunter. “While eventually overcoming all the problems known at the time and being released from the Janeway, Carter was diagnosed as profoundly deaf in May 2011 and later implanted with cochlear implants in December 2011, and then subsequently diagnosed with cerebral palsy in January 2012. He is truly a little fighter and has never lost his smile even with all he has been through. “(We) are active in various fundraising efforts by local charities and non-profit organizations associated with or supporting us with Carter’s conditions such as Easter Seals NL and The Mazol Shriners. I am currently working on this new fundraiser that will benefit Easter Seals NL, Rainbow Riders — Therapeutic Riding Newfoundland and Labrador Inc., and Mazol Shriners.” The rink project involves embedding logos of the charities in the rink ice, and displaying 36 professionally printed ads/logos on the rink’s boards. “So far, I would estimate that I have spent approximately $8,500 of my own money to build the rink and have raised over $26,000 for my charities from corporate sponsorship of the ads and from private donations,” Churchill said. “None of that money was used to fund the rink construction and 100 per cent of it went to the charities.” On Sunday afternoon, Jan. 20, 2013 at the rink, correctional officers at Her Majesty's Penitentiary in St. John’s challenged the Media All-Stars team in a charity game to raise money for the charities.

Comments

  • Username
    Fred from Brigus
    - January 22, 2013 at 19:34:13

    Only in Newfounndland me son. Wat th go bye.

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  • Username
    Robert
    - January 21, 2013 at 21:33:12

    Brings new meaning to Hockeyville!

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  • Username
    Herb Morrison
    - January 21, 2013 at 20:30:41

    Mr. Churchill. I am a C.P. victim myself and your's and Carter's story touched me deeply. Like Carter, I too was afflicted with C.P. as a result of complications , which occurred during my delivery. That was 64 years ago this past September. There is always hope. I admire the fact that in the midst of your personal adversity , you have chosen to reach out to others in such a selfless manner. God Bless to all of you.

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  • Username
    Christine Mackie
    - January 21, 2013 at 19:36:11

    Churchill family....keep up the good work for you and your family. God Bless you!!

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  • Username
    Republic-of-Newfoundland
    - January 21, 2013 at 17:29:20

    Cool!

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