1 April 2005
Cross-Country
Representation at Annual CPR Charity Hockey Game
Calgary CPR employees who hail
from various parts of Canada will be taking to the ice again for a charity hockey game that is fast
becoming a tradition. Of the approximately 16,000 people employed by CPR across its network in Canada
and the United States, more than 2,000 work out of the company's head office operations in Calgary.
The fourth annual CPR "East-West" hockey game pits employees born in Western
Canada up against those who grew up in Eastern Canada. Funds raised by employees and their families
support the education of children of CPR employees who have passed away suddenly. As well, proceeds go
to Kids Cancer Care in Calgary.
"We have a lot of fun paying tribute to co-workers who left us too early. We play up
the regional rivalry, but after all is said and done, the game raises money for some very good
causes," said organizer, John Opyc, a 29-year CPR employee, who was born in
Beausejour, Manitoba, east of Winnipeg. "We have about 50 employees representing at least seven
provinces and 25 communities - including players from Stephenville, Newfoundland and Kapuskasing,
Ontario, to St. Albert, Alberta and Bienfait, Saskatchewan." Six Alberta communities, including
Calgary, are represented at this year's hockey tilt.
In the first three years of the charity shinny game, about $7,500 has been raised. This year alone,
Opyc hoped to hit $4,000 in donations. "Most donations are from many people in different
departments raising funds at various events. Working for the railway, with its diversity, people's
paths cross at some point. Everyone has heard of someone with the company - that's why we are one big
family, and everyone is always more than willing to give."
It was in 2001, when the tradition began of supporting the children of past, but not forgotten,
colleagues, when longtime friend and operations manager, George Simmons, died in his 40s, from a heart
attack. "As well, a portion of the funds raised goes to Kids Cancer Care, since cancer touches
all of us," added Opyc, whose 16-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer at age
four. "This is a story to tell all others that cancer can be beaten, and we won't forget our
friends, our colleagues and our workmates."
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