Battle of the Badges (Photo courtesy of Revolution Place)

By Liam Verster

Charity

“Battle of the Badges” pits RCMP against firefighters for charity

Nov 27, 2019 | 5:00 AM

A classic rivalry will face off at Revolution Place on Sunday for the Battle of the Badges.

Grande Prairie firefighters and RCMP officers will meet on the ice for a charity hockey game that benefits the 3D Children’s Society, and the Talk To Me Society.

3D supports local children who are going through critical medical procedures through monetary contributions. Talk To Me provides mental heath support for first responders.

Belinda Seiker founded the Talk To Me Society last year after her son took his own life. She says they are trying to raise awareness, and erase the stigma, of mental health issues, especially for first responders, like her son. Seiker says her charity works with EMS, raises awareness on mental health through presentations, and holds an annual walk/run in May to raise awareness.

“We’re just working on trying to set awareness for mental health and try to stop the stigma. We are gathering information and seeing what kind of support our first responders need, and just going that route, and trying to figure that out first.”

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Seiker says some of the money raised through the Battle of the Badges hockey game is going to be used for an EMS training scholarship, run through the Community Foundation.

Seiker says she was very surprised to be approached to be a benefactor of the hockey game, but is very excited and happy to be included in the event.

In a statement, Darren Foley, Director of 3D Children’s Society, says he’s very excited for the community event showcasing Grande Prairie’s Fire and RCMP Departments, and is also very honoured that the game will help the charity, which financially supports the families of local kids dealing with expensive medical treatments.

Dan MacLean, a chairperson with the Grande Prairie Firefighters Charitable Foundation, says the friendly competition isn’t without a little bit of rivalry.

“There is a trophy here in the halls of the Fire Hall, that dates back to the early 2000s when there used to be more of a regular battle over some sport. But we’re trying to get it back together and make it more of an annual event, and build that camaraderie with the inter-agencies in the city.”

MacLean and Colin Grant, who represents the Grande Prairie RCMP, both say they are excited to get in the rink and play this friendly game to benefit some noble causes.

Grande Prairie Victim Services has also helped contribute to the game, pitching in money to buy the RCMP new jersey’s. Unfortunately, they won’t be ready until after the game is done. Grant says he hopes this game can become a yearly tradition, and they’ll have the jerseys ready for the next Battle of the Badges.

The Talk to Me Society and 3D Children’s Charity will split the money, which comes from ticket sales. Revolution Place has helped organize the event and is hosting the game for free, so all the money from ticket sales can go to the charities. Tickets are by donation, at a minimum of $5.

The Battle of the Badges goes at Revolution Place at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, following the Santa Claus Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Tickets are available online, and will also be on sale at the door.