Carter’s story

The Churchills — Kimberly, sons Hunter and Carter, and Todd — live in Portugal Cove-st. Philip’s.

Carter was born on Feb. 8, 2011 and spent four weeks in the NICU at the Janeway due to numerous complications at birth.

He eventually overcame the complications he was diagnosed with and was released from the Janeway.

In May 2011, he was diagnosed as deaf. To combat this issue, he was given cochlear implants in December 2011.

He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in January 2012.

To support Carter, the Churchills have become active in various fundraising efforts by local charities and non-profit organizations they are associated with.

Their Reason for the Rink project, which saw the Churchills build an impressive rink in their backyard, was completed in support of organizations such as Easter Seals NL, the Mazol Shriners, Therapeutic Riding Newfoundland and Labrador Inc. and the Cerebral Palsy Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The 95’ x 46’ outdoor ice hockey rink in their backyard is about 50 per cent of the size of an NHL rink, complete with boards, ads, lines, nets, lighting, inice logos and other features.

The Churchills support a variety of charities and even painted the logos of those on the ice surface. In addition, they engaged companies and organizations to fund board ads to promote themselves and encourage additional donations to the charities.