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The much-anticipated annual Sirens Charity Hockey game is less than 10 days away, with city fire department members lacing up their skates to face off against local police and municipal enforcement at the Ron Ebbesen Twin Arena.
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The annual hockey game begins at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, and is already stoking the fires of (friendly) rivalry among the city's first responders. Last year, Team Blue, represented by local law enforcement, unseated the firefighters from their winning spot when they won the fifth annual game 10-7.
"I think last year was rigged somehow, but that's how the police won. We're looking to come back out and take back their win [and] I'm sure we will," said Andrew MacPherson, the Charities President of Airdrie Firefighters Charitable Foundation.
However, the rivalry and hockey game are all for a good cause, as entry to the game is by donation to the Airdrie 1st Club's Holiday Hamper Program. Residents coming to the game are encouraged to donate cash and gift cards, which are in high demand as they can be used flexibly across various needs.
Last month, the Airdrie 1st Club officially launched its 2024 Holiday Hamper Program applications, anticipating increased demand due to rising living costs. Last year, the club distributed over 350 hampers, and with the economic pressures many families are facing, the organization is bracing for even more requests this year.
Jo-El Buerlen, President of the Airdrie 1st Club, previously highlighted the ongoing challenges. "With the cost of living and the increases in family and job changes, we're hearing it from the community. We're braced, and we're ready," she said. Community members are already stepping up to sponsor families, a positive sign of early support.
Buerlen added that this year, a special focus is also on gifts for teenagers and family games. "Teenagers sometimes get overlooked, so we're looking for games for them and family games that can bring everyone together," she said. "The Siren’s Hockey Game goal this year will be gift cards and cash."
The hockey game will also feature a 50/50 draw, with a local sports team helping out by selling tickets. "Families are definitely struggling right now, especially with tight finances," MacPherson added. "This event is especially important for those needing extra help during the holidays."
Local Flames alumni are also expected to appear, adding a special touch to this year’s event, along with Steve Campbell and Ryan Russell, who the public better knows as Olly Postanin and Jacob Ardown from On the Bench.
In addition to the hockey game, the event will coincide with the 29th annual Festival of Lights in Airdrie. In partnership with Fortis Alberta, the Airdrie Festival of Lights Society will kick off the season with the Light Up the Night event on Sunday, marking the start of the holiday season in Airdrie. The celebration will feature a countdown to the Christmas tree lighting in Nose Creek Park at 5:30 p.m. and will include the return of the popular Candy Cane Run, where the local fire department will distribute candy canes.
Airdrie residents are also eagerly anticipating the return of the Santa Claus Parade, set for December 7, just 15 days away. This year’s parade, which will take place along Main Street starting at 5:00 p.m., is especially significant due to the challenging economic climate.
Thanks to title sponsor Minto Communities, post-parade activities, including free hot chocolate, fire pits, and carolers, have been added. The parade will end with Santa Claus heading to City Hall to meet families. Local businesses and community groups still have time to register floats. The Santa Claus Parade is a free, family-friendly event.
Additionally, the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train will return to Airdrie on December 13, bringing festive lights, live music, and holiday cheer to Nose Creek Park from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Performers include Magic! and Sofia Camara. The Holiday Train, a tradition since 1999, raises funds and collects food donations for local food banks, with the Airdrie Food Bank expressing gratitude for the community's continued support during the holiday season.
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