Outstanding Saultites honoured at Greyhound game for generosity

NEWS RELEASE
FOUNTAIN TIRE
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Three Sault Ste. Marie residents were named stars of the community last week for their above-and-beyond efforts to make our city a better place. Amanda Stocco, James Ellis Sr. and Julie Ruddy were nominated by their peers and selected as winners of the Fountain Tire 3 Stars program, a partnership between Fountain Tire, the Western Hockey League (WHL) and the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), that honours everyday Canadians for their volunteerism, humanitarianism and generosity.

The trio were publicly recognized at last Wednesday’s Soo Greyhounds game.  

“We asked Canadians to help us find people whose actions – big or small – make a difference, and the result was an inspiring list of individuals who help our cities thrive,” says Denise Gohl-Eacrett, Director, Brand and Customer Experience at Fountain Tire. “It is particularly meaningful for Fountain Tire’s local store owners to be able to give the unsung heroes in their own communities the recognition they deserve.”  

In hockey, star players of each game are awarded for their outstanding performance on the ice. The Fountain Tire 3 Stars program provides an opportunity to similarly acknowledge and celebrate members of the community who make an impact.

 Sault Ste. Marie’s three stars of 2020 are Amanda Stocco, local atom division hockey team manager and mom. Amanda was nominated for her ongoing dedication to the team in the wake of the tragic passing of her husband – who was also the team’s assistant coach – last fall.    

James Ellis Sr., lifelong volunteer. Ellis was recognized in 2019 for his 50 years of volunteer service with the Canadian Ski Patrol, an honour that was further acknowledged by local, provincial and federal governments. James also offers his time at Soo Greyhound games as a Medical First Aid Responder.  

Julie Ruddy, Navy League of Canada Sault Ste. Marie Branch President. Julie was nominated for always making time for local youth, including volunteering her time to fundraising, operations and training in support the league’s sea cadets and navy league cadets, while always making time for family and friends.

Last fall, members of the public were invited to nominate their community stars at FountainTire3Stars.com. A total of 63 winners were selected from the pool of peer nominations in 21 participating communities* across Canada. Winners will be honoured by local Fountain Tire store owners and their local WHL or OHL team during exclusive game-time presentations throughout January and February.  

“The Fountain Tire 3 Stars winners make an impact in our communities, behind the scenes, every day,” adds OHL Commissioner, David Branch. “On behalf of the OHL, I’d like to thank these individuals for their ongoing dedication.”

“From our head office in Edmonton to our locally owned stores, supporting local communities is an important part of our approach to business,” continues Gohl-Eacrett. “Partnering with organizations like the WHL and OHL in a program that allows local citizens to shine is an extension of Fountain Tire’s ‘We’re on this road together’ philosophy.“  

To learn more and review the full list of winners – available at the end of February – visit FountainTire3Stars.com.  

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