First Victor Ringuette Sportsman Dinner happening Saturday

A fundraiser in the name of one of Bonnyville’s most generous people begins on Saturday with an evening of entertainment and giveback.

The first annual Victor Ringuette Sportsman Dinner has been spearheaded by five non-profits: the Bonnyville Jr A Pontiacs, Bonnyville Sr. Pontiacs, Bonnyville Minor Hockey Association, Kidsport Bonnyville, and the Bonnyville & District SPCA. 

Ringuette, the founder of B&R Eckels back in 1965, passed away in late 2021. That’s when the idea formed to have a night to honour his legacy and continue his tradition of giving back to the community.

“It just made a ton of sense,” said Jr. A Pontiacs associate general manager Neil Langridge. “We came up with the idea, us along with minor hockey had discussed for a few years of trying to host an event and obviously with the last couple of years being restricted with the COVID restrictions, we decided to really try and push forward this year.” 

The evening includes a dinner, a speech from four-time Stanley Cup champion Darren McCarty, interactive games provided by Kidsport, a silent and live auction, plus a performance from Cold Lake artist Main Street.

A video tribute to Ringuette will also be played.

The collaboration is meant to show the impact the late community man had in various realms of the community.

“Without Victor Ringuette, the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs wouldn’t exist in our community. We’ve been here now for our 31st season that we’ve undertaken in the Alberta Junior Hockey League and I wouldn’t even imagine trying to put together all of the time, effort and resources that Mr. Ringuette supplied the juniors over the last 31 years. And the B&R family continues to support the Bonnyville Pontiacs,” said Langridge. 

“We hope that this will be an annual event that we will partner with different not for profits each year to include and just work together.”

There are still tickets available for the event on Saturday night, which begins at 5:00pm.