The Chatham Maroons are stepping up for the community.
The junior B hockey team is helping with a couple of separate programs during their home-game Sunday night.
The first is a food drive with Farm Credit Canada (FCC). The team is asking that people drop off non-perishable items to help in the “Drive Away Hunger” campaign.
"This is our fourth year in partnership with FCC," says Tom Heath, director of community relations for the Chatham Maroons. "FCC has a national program and we became involved with it."
Donations of non-perishable food items and/or money can be made at the Memorial Arena, in the main lobby.
"One incentive that we've done over the years to encourage people to bring canned goods, is if they make a donation of food items or a cash donation then their name goes into a draw for a hockey stick, autographed by all the Maroons [players]."
"Sk8 with the Maroons." (Photo courtesy of Thomas Heath.)
Heath says everything raised will stay in the community, going to local food banks.
The second initiative the Maroons are taking on is one which involves a bit of fun for those in the community.
Following the game, players will be signing autographs, taking pictures, and participating in a skate-along with local residents.
"It's just a great way for our players to interact with the fans -- especially the younger fans that come out and support us," says Heath. "It's a way of giving back.
This is the first "Sk8 with the Maroons" event of the season. Heath says they try to have at least three.
"Over the years it has become a very popular event," he says.
Children planning to go out on the ice are asked to wear helmets and gloves.
The Chatham Maroons square off against the St. Marys Lincolns Sunday night. Puck drop is set for 7pm.