Sandra Charles reacted the same way many in the province did when hearing the news of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 people.
Charles cried and grieved for the families, she watched news coverage of the tragedy all weekend and attended vigils. She did this all while trying to think of a way to give back.
“I wanted to do something…anything,” she told MBC News. “I am not a hockey mom, but I am a mother of two and I can’t imagine what the parents are going through.”
Charles joined five other women from La Ronge to sell ribbons at a vigil in La Ronge this past weekend. Joining Charles were Jenny Nicol, Lynette Merriman, Jenna O’Connor, Kerry Williment, and Barbara Charles.
In just over an hour the women raised over $1,000 dollars.
While pondering what to do with the money, they decided to use it to help a young La Ronge hockey player who now faces an uncertain future.
Bryce Fiske, a La Ronge product and former Ice Wolves captain, was traded to the Broncos this past October.
Fiske was announced as one of the survivors of the crash, however, he remains in hospital.
The group of women from La Ronge, have now set up a trust fund in Fiske’s name starting with the $1,000.
Sandra Charles hopes this fund will help as he recovers.
“He’s not going to be working, he is not going to have any finances or income coming in, so any little bit can help… that’s why we are doing this,” said Charles.
The mother of two says giving back has even helped her with her own grief.
“I cried all weekend long and it was Sunday when us ladies got together and it felt better already, and the more we do the better it feels,” she said. “It’s only made our hearts feel better, so donate…donate all you can.”
Anybody can donate to the trust fund by either visiting the Conexus Credit Union in La Ronge or by contacting Sandra Charles (306-425-0558) or Jenny Nicol (306-425-3503). They can also be found on Facebook.
In the meantime, the group of women will continue to sell their ribbons with the proceeds going toward the trust fund.
UPDATE: On Thursday Conexus Credit Union in La Ronge will be selling ribbons and popcorn with proceeds going toward the Bryce Fiske Trust Fund.
(PHOTO: Bryce Fiske playing for the Humboldt Broncos in a recent matchup in La Ronge. Photo by Braden Malsbury)