Hockey tournament to help bring doctors home

NEWS RELEASE

COMMUNITY FIRST CREDIT UNION

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This year, Essar Steel Algoma Inc. volunteers celebrate their 10th Annual “Bring a Doctor Home” Hockey Tournament.

The tournament brings Essar Steel employees, retirees, and volunteers together into organized teams to meet on the ice and raise money to support students from Sault Ste. Marie who are enrolled in the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Since its inception in 2006, the Bring a Doctor Home Tournament has raised over $245,000 in student bursaries for our local future physicians.

Now in its 10th year, some of the first graduating class has completed their residency and are starting to care for the people of Sault Ste. Marie.

Hal Mogg, who heads up the volunteer committee, is excited to see the first group of physicians graduate from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and return to Sault Ste. Marie.

He says, “They are the first home-grown and educated physicians in the history of Northern Ontario. They are our children and grandchildren, and are returning home to fill a shortage that is shared by all Northern communities. By training here, not only do they understand our needs, but they embrace the lifestyle that this great region offers. We are excited to watch our tournament grow, including the exciting addition of a Women’s Division this year.”

If you would like to donate to the hockey tournament to support our future local physicians, please visit the Bay Street or Trunk Road locations of Community First Credit Union.

All donations of over $20 or more made at Community First Credit Union will receive a tax receipt, as well as a free t-shirt (while supplies last).

Community First CEO Brent Lamming explains his enthusiasm about the initiative stating, “Here at Community First Credit Union, we have deep historical ties to the Essar Steel employee and retiree communities. We are proud to assist them in raising money for such a great initiative, and to encourage our talented future doctors who are studying at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.”

Lamming is also playing in the tournament, and Community First Credit Union has donated $1500.00 to the bursary, in addition to collecting donations at the branches.

To cheer on the players at the tournament, visit the John Rhodes Community Centre from January 19 – 21.

Games start at 6 p.m.

The semi-finals are on Friday, January 23, and the exciting final day, including the Armour Plate Grand Championship, takes place Saturday, January 24.

About Community First Credit Union

Community First Credit Union Limited is a full service credit union open to everyone living in the province of Ontario.

Community First offers a full range of financial products and services for both personal and business banking.

Located in Northeastern Ontario and operating for over 65 years, Community First has two branch locations in Sault Ste. Marie, and one in Timmins.

Members/Owners have convenient access to over 2,400 surcharge-free ATMs across Canada through THE EXCHANGE® Network.

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