Airdrie Day 2023 is getting set to drop the puck to support local organizations and charities at the Scotiabank Saddledome on March 24.
Airdrie Day, in partnership with Volunteer Airdrie and the Calgary Wranglers Hockey Club, is hoping to build some community spirit and help out great local causes.
“It’s a celebration of Airdrie, and it is an opportunity for organizations big or small, not-for-profit and charitable organizations to raise some funds,” explained Airdrie Day founder and co-chair Perry Logan. “The best part about this is you not only buy a ticket, but you show up to the event. When you enter a raffle or something, you never know who wins. But (on Airdrie Day) you are here, and the arena is full of people from Airdrie.”
Logan is excited Airdrie Day is returning for its sixth year, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. During its previous five incarnations, the event has raised nearly $200,000 to support organizations like the Airdrie Public Library and the Airdrie and District Victims’ Assistance Society, as well as local clubs like Airdrie Scouts and Airdrie BMX. In total, according to Logan, the event has provided funding and support to 21 local not-for-profits and charitable organizations.
But beyond these obvious financial boons, Logan said one of the biggest benefits of hosting the event is the increase in community spirit that occurs among all the Airdronians who come out to the game.
“It’s a great celebration of Airdrie,” he proclaimed.
One big difference this year is Airdrie Day will be working in partnership with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers as opposed to the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. Logan said given how late his team got started on putting the event together this year, it just didn’t work out schedule-wise with the Hitmen’s home game calendar.
But, as usual, Logan said those coming out to the Airdrie Day game will have an opportunity to purchase a cheap ticket for $16.79 as opposed to the usual box office price of $36. Of that $16.79, five dollars from each ticket will be donated to local charities and organizations.
On top of that, according to Logan, Airdrie Day, in partnership with Southland Transportation, will be offering a discounted bus service from Genesis Place Recreation Centre in Airdrie to the Saddledome on the day of the game and back for $10.
It’s like riding on the team bus to an away game, Logan stated.
“You can ride from Genesis Place to the Wrangler game and back again for $10 – so it’s very affordable,” he said. “It’s a team thing. We go together and we leave together. It’s just fun.”
Those wishing to ride with the Airdrie Day team down to the Saddledome should arrive before 5:30 p.m. on March 24 at Genesis Place. The buses leave at 5:45 p.m.
Those wishing to purchase tickets to take part in Airdrie Day can either visit the Volunteer Airdrie website under “Events” to order online, or they can purchase tickets in person at the Airdrie Public Library, through the Airdrie Scouts, Airdrie BMX, or from Airdrie’s The Sober Friends Society.
