Scott MacDonald Memorial highlights community coming together

There will be hours of gridiron action, head shaving, and a major 50/50 fundraiser pot, all in honour of a former Bonnyville Voyageur who passed away from cancer.

The 14th Scott MacDonald Memorial takes over Walsh Field at Ray Scott Park with a Bonnyville vs Cold Lake matchup. First, it’s the peewees of Renegades vs Rams, then Bandits take on the Ravens, before the high schoolers play under the lights with Voyageurs against the Royals.

The atoms crew will also be showcased during the halftime of the peewee contest.

This is an annual fundraiser to support youths fighting cancer in the Lakeland area. Twenty per cent of the fundraising pot goes to the Scott MacDonald Scholarship which goes to those on the Voyageur team at season end.

Several Bonnyville football players will shave their heads, as is tradition.

Scott MacDonald was diagnosed with cancer shortly after graduating and passed away in 2010 at the age of 19. A teammate, Tyler Jahn, requested the Voyageurs do something. That led to this big event.

Community leaders have also raised the stakes.

Bonnyville mayor Elisa Brosseau proposed a wager to Cold Lake mayor Craig Copeland. Whoever wins two out of three of the games, the loser will wear the winner’s jersey during their next council meeting.

Local businesses have stepped up with donations for a silent auction, which begins at the first kickoff at 2:00pm.

Over the years, the money from this event has been donated to the Haying in the 30s Cancer Support Society, the Bonnyville Hospital, the Stollery Children’s Hospital, and several families who have youngsters fighting cancer.

Fans can still buy the big $10,000 50/50 tickets during the games.

The Voyageurs bounced back on Monday to beat the Wainwright Commandos 28-6. Their record stands at 1-1.

The Royals are also 1-1 with a win vs Wainwright and a loss to Holy Rosary.

Overall, the Wheatland Football League is down to just five teams.

The first game kicks off at 2:00pm, the bantam contest begins at 4:30pm, and then the high school game kicks off at 7:30pm.