Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter

A friendly battle for charity is about to take place in Peace River at this year’s annual Battle of the Badges.

“The funds this year are being donated to the Peace River Regional Women’s Shelter and the R.I.S.K Program,” says Peace River Fire Department Lieut. Drew Keddie.

“This game is a lot of fun to watch. It’s not just a hockey game, it’s another way to be a part of the community and support the community and see your local first responders.”

The Battle of the Badges Charity Hockey Game will be held on Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Baytex Energy Centre in Peace River.

“Battle of the Badges has been happening for years all over the world, but we started doing the event here to allow the community to see their local first responders in another aspect and allows us to help a wide verity of local organizations,” explains Keddie.

The event will be a great family friendly, cost-effective entertainment with admission set just at $10 or a donation to the food bank, with children and youth 12 years and under getting in for free.

“As tradition goes, this year again will be primarily RCMP vs firefighters,” Keddie notes.

“The event is important for us to give back to the community and organizations. We have a great deal of support from everyone in the community and this is one way of giving something back.”

Keddie urges residents and people in the region to come out to watch their favourite first responders play for charity. Spectators will also have the chance to participate in the puck toss to win a free TV. Food concessions and beer gardens will also be open.

“This is a super fun game to play in and watch,” he says. “It’s a lot of friendly back and forth and bragging rights for the year. We love to see the huge crowds and the people it brings in from all around the region.”

For more information contact Keddie at dkeddie@peaceriver.ca