Life just got a little sweeter for the Mission Leisure Centre.
The facility received a $20,000 grant from Mars Canada Inc. that will be used to upgrade the aging south arena’s score board and clock. The donation comes just in time for Mission as it prepares to host the 2014 B.C. Winter Games.
The contribution from the candy bar maker came after Mars launched its Play Your Part campaign in September. Using a pin code inside the wrapper, people could log on to the candy company’s website and Mars would make a $5 donation to help fund the campaign. Mission was one of five arenas across Canada to receive the funding.
Mission Leisure Centre staff were told over the Christmas holidays they would be getting the $20,000.
Kerry Bysouth, manager of parks and facilitates for the District of Mission, said the new clock will be a welcome addition to the rink. He said the old clock is approaching 20 years of service and is starting to show its age.
“This will be a nice addition as we prepare to host the 2014 B.C. Winter Games,” said Bysouth.
He said a new clock will run on LED technology and will be more cost efficient to run than the current clock which uses light bulbs.
Bysouth noted facilities staff will be meeting with local minor hockey and lacrosse groups to get their input before a purchase is made. He said one of the considerations is whether the new clock will be purchased from the same company that provided the clock for the north arena.
It’s an issue of an ease of use standpoint for the groups who regularly need to use the scoreboard and shot clocks, he explained.
The cost of a new clock, with instillation, will run around $16,000. The remaining amount funds will be used to clean up the area around the old clock.
Aziz Shariff, marketing manager of Mars Canada Inc, said the campaign is rooted in the fact that hockey is a major part of the daily lives of Canadians and the company wanted to find a way to recognize that. “We are thrilled to see the response from Canadians in support of these community rinks,” said Shariff. “We’re committed to making a difference in these communities and we are proud that so many Canadians have stepped up with us to show their support and help unlock the funds.”