Events

CAF community around the world shows support for Humboldt

A week has passed since the Humboldt Broncos’ bus collided with a semi-truck at anintersection in rural Saskatchewan, claiming the lives of 16 people. The team was on their way to the playoff game in Nipawin, SK.

In the passing days, Canadians everywhere have shown their support by placing hockey sticksoutside their doors. The #SticksOutForHumboldt trend has even spread to the far corners of the world, all the way to CAF members stationed in Iraq.

The CAF tweeted an image of their own hockey sticks outside the soldiers’ barracks along with a

Canadian flag. “From Iraq, our hearts are with you. #SticksOutForHumboldt #putyoursticksout,” the tweet read. 

From Iraq, our hearts are with you. #SticksOutForHumboldt https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sticksoutforhumboldt #putyoursticksout https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/putyoursticksout

A stick was also placed in front of Joint Air Power Competence Centre in Germany. 

Platoon WO John Lahey has a son the same age as many of the players who were on the busthat day. He said they have chosen to place their sticks out and wear their hockey jerseys to show support for the team and families affected by this tragedy.

RCAF Image
Photo credit: Cpl JE Clement
Description: 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron from 19 Wing Comox stands on the wing of a CP-140M Aurora #JerseysForHumboldt

“(The accident) makes you realize that this type of thing can happen to anyone and we are allaffected in one way or another,” said Lahey.

With hockey sticks out, Canadians, including the CAF and other Canadian military units, everywhere will continue to show their support for the Humboldt Broncos by donning their hockey jerseys.

“Because of the work we do, many of us in uniform have experienced the same emotional burden tragedies like this inflict. Canadians regularly show outpourings of support for us in our time of need. Now it’s time for us to give back,” General Jonathan H. Vance wrote in a pressrelease issued yesterday.

Military personnel encouraged everyone to take photos and post them on their respective social media outlets.

“From the Canadian Joint Operations Command HQ, we are with you. 

#jerseysforhumboldt #jerseyday  #humboldtstrong” read one post.

“We wear our #JerseysForHumboldt We support #Humboldt #MyCAF #MesFAC #humboldtstrong

Canadian Army Army 4th Canadian Division-4TH DIVISION OF CANADA,” read another post.

“Our condolences go out to all the players, families and friends affected by this tragedy,” added Vance.

Photo credit: Maritimes Forces Atlantic
Description:
Members of Maritimes Forces Atlantic, #CAF and DND employees wear their #jerseysforhumboldt for the #HumboldtBroncos community & the incident’s 1st responders during National Jersey Day. We stand with your community and please know you are in our thoughts. #Halifax NS #RCNavy

Sylvie Kellington, a Humboldt resident whose son plays on a junior team, started a GoFundMe page to support families of the victims. A goal of $4 million was set, but as of April 12, the pagehas raised $9.3 million, and that number is still climbing, becoming one of the top five GoFundMe pages.

To contribute to the Funds for Humboldt Broncos GoFundMe page click here.

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Miranda Brumwell

Miranda attended Niagara College in 2014, completing the two-year Journalism program. She currently resides in London, ON with her boyfriend and baby boy. In her spare time, Miranda enjoys reading, cooking, photography, watercolour painting and spending time with family and friends.

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