When Meaghann Foley first heard about people leaving hockey sticks out on their front stoops to show solidarity with the Humboldt Broncos, she decided to take the idea a step further. Meaghann and her mom, Jose Duquette, help run Northern Doors and Windows and they were touched by how people have been showing support for the Humboldt community after the tragic bus crash last Friday that killed 16 people and left 13 others injured. Meaghann decided to organize a campaign to help raise money for the Humboldt Broncos’ GoFundMe campaign, which now has over $9 million. The Northern Windows and Doors store will donate $5 for every hockey stick left outside their front door.

Jose says this tragedy has not only hit close to home for Timmins, but for her own family. “We’re a big hockey family as well”, she says. ” We have our son, who used to travel as well, he played for the Gold Kings. We have an installer who played for the Gold Kings. So they know what these teams go through, and, you know, the hardships of going on highways at night.”

“It’s hard to talk about,” Meaghann interjects while Jose gets a little teary-eyed.

Jose added, “We definitely want to give back and Timmins is a hockey community […] So we’re really happy to see all the initiatives that are happening.”

The store is hoping to collect 100 hockey sticks and they will donate $15,00 to the GoFundMe Campaign. Meaghann spoke about how humbled she was to see so many people doing what they can to help. “It’s just super nice and humble to see that everyone is participating and doing whatever they can. Even if it’s the smallest gesture, it really does a good impact on their community.”

Meaghann also talked about how everyone as Canadians seem to be coming together for this, and that reach has made a real impact on Timmins. “To see all of Canada coming together, for one community, it really touches home,” she said. “It really feels  like a family. Like, we’re all a team in this.”

Northern Windows and Doors will be collecting hockey sticks until Sunday. Any sticks that are left on Monday will be donated to a sports organization in town.