The Morden Thunder were not able to play against the Morden Police and Fire Departments for the annual Guns and Hoses hockey game, but the team of grade 10-12 students did not let this stop them from raising $1,200 for the Morden Christmas Cheer Board.

"We decided to use our regular game to raise some money towards Christmas cheer," says Morden Thunder parent volunteer, Jen Giesbrecht.

On Monday night, the entry fees were all given to the Cheer Board. Alternatively, people could also get into the game by donating non-perishable food items, or games and toys that will be added to Christmas hampers.

Giesbrecht says, "we went out to Giant Tiger the Friday before the game and we helped carry out groceries and took donations at that time. We raised about $400 there, and then at the game, we raised the other $800."

Working together towards a similar goal is a great way to bring a team closer together, and can teach some valuable skills, she says.

"I think it helps show the kids how to give back to the community and give to the less fortunate. It gives them some moral values that they can continue to carry on as they go on past high school," adds Giesbrecht.

Where the Police and Fire Departments are hosting toy drives at their stations, the Thunder found their own way to keep supporting the Cheer Board this year. "We just wanted to continue on some of the traditions so that nothing got lost," says Giesbrecht.