Blades two for three so far in B.C. swing

Way back in 1976, when disco was hot, hockey helmets optional and “Rocky ” fresh in the theatre, a certain Starphoenix columnist wrote about the need for a brand-new charitable effort.

“What we are going to do, my friends, is make the coming yuletide a Sporting Christmas,” wrote Larry Tucker. “And only you can make this thing a success.”

All these decades later, that sentiment has not changed. Yuletide is coming back, the need is great, and people from all walks of life are giving their own special boosts to our annual Sporting Christmas fund, which raises money for the Salvation Army ’s Christmas hamper program.

A good and wonderful Regina friend of mine, going back to our days in journalism school, sends a donation in memory of a Humboldt Broncos player she knew very well.

“Bumping up my annual donation this year,” writes Stephanie Choma, “in memory of a terrific young man, Adam Herold, who was killed in the Humboldt bus crash. Adam was smart, kind, hard-working, humble and very talented. More importantly, he was always willing to help others in whatever way he could.”

Delphine Maryniak and Eric Tang send a helping hand “on behalf of our dear friend Sharon Jacobs, who recently passed. She was loved by all and her kindness and concern encompassed many, especially those that are less fortunate than us.”

Ellen Manton donates in memory of husband Art, and passes on

“a huge Thank You to the Salvation Army for providing Christmas hampers to the less fortunate.”

“’Tis the season to reach out to those who need a helping hand,” write some great longtime supporters.

“The Mckillop Clan of Elrose are pleased to do so through Sporting Christmas in memory of Ralph Mckillop.”

We wish to update one donation that was incorrectly listed in Wednesday’s Sporting Christmas column — a gift from “Grey Cup Friends” didn’t include the memorium, and should have read: “Memory of Jim Serne from Grey Cup Friends: $100.”

The Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association sends a donation, which will make for a merrier Christmas for local kids.

And Dawn Wood-louden passes on a note.

“Once again, at this time of year, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have family, health and the means to enjoy a wonderful Christmas,” Dawn writes. “For many families this is not the reality, and Sporting Christmas assists the Salvation Army in making the season so much brighter for them.

“Once again, we are pleased to make a donation to this most worthwhile cause and once again I am putting in an unabashed plug for Tokyo’s Unofficial CFL Podcast. This podcast about CFL football, Japanese baseball and beer, is hosted by two Canadian prairie boys in Japan who have become lifelong friends over a shared love of our beloved three-down game. My brother Scott Morris (rabid Riders fan) and his friend Lance Leeder (equally rabid Bombers fan) found their friendship sorely tested at the western semifinal, but they survived. So thanks to Lanny and Scotty for this year’s entertaining podcasts, and thanks to Sporting Christmas for the wonderful work you’ve done over the past 42 years.”

There’s multiple ways to join our growing list of donors:

Give on the web, at thestarphoenix.com/sportingchristmas

Stop by the Starphoenix downtown (204 Fifth Ave. N.), and leave your donation at our front desk, or in the slot inside the front doors.

Mail to: Sporting Christmas c/o The Starphoenix, 204 Fifth Ave. North, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2P1