The Orillia Youth Basketball Club (OYBC) held a successful fundraiser on Thursday evening at the Orillia Recreation Centre, raising more than $2,500 for Mariposa House Hospice.
The event brought together players, aged U10 to U19, from 15 Lakers’ teams for a night of skills competitions, prizes, and community spirit.
The club's president, Greg Long, said the fundraiser was an opportunity to do something meaningful for retired Orillia dentist Ian Steele, who generously donated a pair of tickets to a Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors game for a Lakers’ raffle fundraiser.
“We want to give back to the community,” Long said. “This event is also a good way to offer the kids a fun night over the break.”
Mariposa House Hospice was chosen as the event’s charity because of Steele’s personal connection to the organization. His wife received care at the hospice in September 2023 before she passed away from cancer.
“We are donating to help Mariposa House Hospice get more beds so more people can stay there,” Long explained. “Obviously, it’s a tough time for families when someone has reached the end of life, and hospice is something everybody could end up needing.”
The evening included mini games where players competed for prizes donated by promotional company Good Things. Beyond the basketball court, Long emphasized the importance of instilling community values in the Lakers’ players.
“The kids are here to play basketball, but it’s more than that,” Long said. “We want them to be good ambassadors of Orillia, the organization, and the community.”
For U19 player Ben Goguen, the fundraiser held special meaning.
“My mom’s best friend passed away of cancer at Mariposa House Hospice,” Goguen shared. “I’ve been there, and it’s all great people, and they help people go to the afterlife.”
Goguen said he was thrilled to support the cause while playing the sport he loves.
“Basketball is my favourite sport,” he said. “The rec centre hasn’t been open much over the holidays, so it’s nice to be back here to play.”
The event also served as a way to ease players back into their regular season programs, which resume Sunday after the holiday break. The Lakers will host an Ontario Basketball League Tournament on Jan. 10 and 11 at the Orillia Recreation Centre.
