Theresa Nevills, watching events unfold from Vancouver Island over a thousand kilometers away, felt a deep urge to support Tumbler Ridge following the mass shooting on February 10 in the small northeast British Columbia community of about 2,400 residents.
“It wasn’t the kind of thing you would ever expect from a small-town community,” Nevills stated. “Any Canadian that watched the news would have the same sort of sharp pain and helplessness.”
Nomination for Community Healing
With no personal ties to the area, the retired Royal Canadian Air Force aviation maintenance superintendent nominated Tumbler Ridge for Kraft’s annual Hockeyville contest. She noticed no other nominations and acted after learning how the local community centre served as a vital gathering spot in the tragedy’s aftermath.
The centre, which includes the town’s arena, pool, library, and curling rink, became a sacred space. “That’s where everybody went to join hands, rally each other and be there for each other, hold each other and get them through the first couple of days,” Nevills explained.
Prize Offers Hope for Renewal
The contest’s top prize features $250,000 for arena improvements and an opportunity to host an NHL preseason game. Nevills, who joined the RCAF in 1981 and retired last November, drew inspiration from Stirling-Rawdon, Ontario’s 2012 Hockeyville win during her nearby posting in Trenton.
“It just seemed to me like this was a really golden opportunity,” she said. “You hear so many Canadians that really felt for Tumbler Ridge, and I thought that maybe this could be a way that everyone could help.”
Star Support Boosts Momentum
The nomination has attracted endorsements from prominent figures, including Olympic gold medalist and Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser. She promoted the Tumbler Ridge campaign to her 55,000 social media followers.
Wickenheiser highlighted survivor Maya Gebala, who participated in her 2024 WickFest hockey tournament in Calgary. “I remember it was such a big undertaking to fundraise and get to Calgary for that Tumbler Ridge team,” Wickenheiser posted on LinkedIn. “A small town, just like where I came from. I always have a soft spot for those towns.”
Contest Timeline and Outlook
Nominations close on March 1, with provincial and territorial winners announced March 14, each receiving $50,000. The grand prize winner emerges April 4.
Hundreds of Canadian communities have entered, but Nevills believes Tumbler Ridge stands out amid its recovery. “Whether the community wins or not, I’m seeing the strength of the people who live there,” she noted. “Rallying behind each other and really facing the dawn of a new day. They’re grieving, but they’re growing together, stronger.”
