One of the nicest benefits of working in a radio station located inside a television station (with different owners) is I got a chance to work both personally and professionally with some really great and talented people over the 18 years I was in the CTV (CFRN) building.
CTV General Manager Lloyd Lewis is a personal friend and is the kind of guy who is happy to break out with a “Clapton solo” when you visit his office. He’s a great leader and knows that precious balance between ‘work hard – play harder’ and the spirit in the hallways is always infectious as we crossed paths on a daily basis.
This past week, while catching up on things in Edmonton, I was knocked out to see what started as a little ‘fun’ project in the CTV back lot of the building has now turned in to a major ‘fund raising’ event for several Edmonton charities.
A few years back the CTV Newsroom, under the leadership of Glenn Kubish (Kube) decided to put in a little skating rink out back for the staff and families to enjoy during the long winter period.
As many great ideas evolve one thing lead to another and now that “Rink of Dreams” is a mini NHL type rink that not only serves as a social spot during the winter months but now it is hosting the “ATB Financial Charity Shootout.”
This rink has it all, including boards, lights, and even ‘sponsors’ that help defray the costs that have to be paid to keep and maintain the rink into useable conditions. (I’ll bet the human Zamboni is working over time this past few weeks though!)
The ATB Financial Charity Shootout goes at the end of the month and CTV will be taping the event so that you all can see, enjoy, and participate in the event.
Basically it works like this.
Key CTV personnel will be dividing up $15,000 among nine very worthy Edmonton charities as they strap on skates and take one on one shots at CTV Weather man Josh Classen.
You’ll see Daryl McIntyre, (Wildlife Rehab Society) editor Pam Leier (Ronald McDonald House), Carrie LeClaire (Stars), Access TV’s Jefferson Humphreys (Boys + Girls Club), Graham Neil (Good Neighbor Fund), Dave Mitchell (Matt Cook Foundation), Adam Cooke (Special Olympics), and Josh Classen (Edmonton Food Bank), and by the time this article makes it to print one viewer will have won a chance to take a shot for their own choice of charity as well.
The prelim’s go Jan 29th, and air at 6pm on Jan 31st and Feb 1st. The semis will be aired ‘live’ on Feb 2nd and 3rd, and the final goes rain or shine – ok freezing cold or blinding snow – under the great Alberta skies on Feb 4th.
So not only has this little “Rink of Dreams” provided a great respite for the CTV folks to take it outdoors during the winter – but it has now grown to a very fun and spirited community event – supporting several local charities - for which the company is already very well known and respected for over the years.
Kudos’s to ATB for stepping up and participating in this fun adventure as well.
Also, in case you didn’t know before “The Good Neighbor Fund,” was started by my personal mentor Bruce Hogle several years ago, and provides substantial funds to much needed families in our city. Many of the CTV staff play key roles in keeping this Fund very active and vibrant throughout the year as well.
All the information on these projects is available at ctvedmonton.ca and wearealberta.ca.
Get out and cheer these people on – and fire off a supportive email or letter to them when you get a chance.
Great companies know the value of ‘giving back’ – and CTV Edmonton does it ‘naturally.’
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