Flora Matteotti gives Kodiaks Athletics financial boost

Last weekend was successful on and off the court for Lethbridge College Kodiaks Athletics.

The program both hosted its inaugural Alumni Weekend and began its My Kodiaks Moment online giving campaign in support of Kodiaks Athletics student-athlete scholarships.

A $5,000 gift from Flora Matteotti on behalf of herself and late husband Val spurred the beginning of the My Kodiaks Moment giving campaign. The Matteottis have been long-time supporters of the college and Kodiaks Athletics. One of Alberta’s most philanthropic families, the Matteottis were one of the lead financial contributors to the construction of the Kodiaks home facility, which bears the Val Matteotti Gymnasium name.

“We want to give a heart-felt thank you to Flora Matteotti for honouring Val’s memory by continuing to believe in Kodiaks Athletics,” said Todd Caughlin, manager of Kodiaks Athletics, in a release. “This gift will make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes for years to come, and we are thankful that we share a vision of supporting young people in our community.”

Admission to all six Kodiaks weekend games was by donation with all money raised going towards the campaign. The Matteotti family gift, in-person and online donations have seen the campaign raise nearly $10,000 since its launch last Thursday.

“It’s amazing to see the financial contributions roll in already,” says Caughlin. “And just as encouraging was the way our alumni and supporters turned out to cheer on our Kodiaks. Their involvement and contributions to the campaign will help ease the burden on our student-athletes and help us continue to build an athletics program that shines in competition, in the classroom and in getting involved in the community.”

The My Kodiaks Moment campaign runs until Dec. 6 and encourages donors to contribute to scholarships for Kodiaks student-athletes. Draws for Kodiaks prizes will be held throughout the campaign. Every $50 donation is automatically entered into draws for both day prizes and the grand prize of a kid’s pass for a Kodiaks summer camp.

With Giving Tuesday taking place Tuesday, the Kodiaks Athletics program encouraged potential donors to consider the Kodiaks when making their gifts.

Complete details and the opportunity to make a My Kodiaks Moments donation are available at

and

lethbridgecollege.ca/give gokodiaks.ca.