WINGHAM – The Wingham Junior Ironmen are hoping to see a big stack of empties at the entrance to the North Huron Wescast Community Complex on Sunday afternoon.
The team announced Thursday they are hosting a bottle drive ahead of their Jan. 22 game against the Hanover Barons (puck drops at 3:30 p.m.) to support Minto Mad Dogs U15 goalie Jasper More.
In 2011, More was diagnosed with MPS IV, a rare disease in which the body is missing or does not have enough of an enzyme needed to break down long chains of sugar molecules. It is estimated that about 1,000 people in the world are affected by MPS IV, and about 15 in Canada, including More.
In late 2019, More was accepted into a 15-week medical trial in Italy for a gene therapy treatment program, which involved a one-time cell infusion followed by weeks of monitoring and tests, including follow up visits to Italy for further treatments.
More’s Mad Dog teammates started a bottle drive to raise funds to help cover the costs of travel and treatment. News of the fundraiser spread, and other local teams, such as the Wingham Ironmen, are contributing to the cause.
“We ask that fans please consider bringing any empty beer bottles for a bottle drive set up to raise funds for these treatments or donating cash at the front desk,” stated Ironmen officials in a social media post.
“The hockey world is a small one. The Ironmen support Jasper in this journey and wish him the best.”
Those who are unable to attend the game but would like to contribute to the fundraiser can return their empties to the bottle depot in Palmerston (5914 Wellington Road 123, Unit #2). The depot is open Tuesday-Thursday from 1-4 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 12-2 p.m. E-transfers can also be sent to Pam More, Jasper’s mom, at themorefamily@wightman.ca.
