WATCH: These NHL stars helped raise hundreds of thousands for mental health

UPDATE: (Monday, June 27)

The KGH Foundation confirmed Monday the event has broken fundraising records at $242,000.

In a post on their website it offered thanks to everyone who helped make the event possible; sponsors, volunteers, donors, the Homebase committee, game attendees, tournament participants, NHL alumni, and everyone else who contributed to making this a record-breaking year for Homebase.

The foundation said the money will move them a step closer to completing their ‘We see you’ campaign and advancing mental health care right here at home.

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(Original story)

All weekend long, the KGH Foundation’s biggest event is making its return after a two-year hiatus for the HOMEBASE Charity All-Star Game & Slo-Pitch Tournament.

A sold-out crowd flooded Elks Stadium Friday night where fans were treated to an all-star softball game featuring former and current NHL players. There were opportunities for autograph hunters and spectators to watch their favorite players in a whole new way.

Among those who grabbed a glove were several former Kelowna Rockets including Shea Weber, Luke Schenn, Tyler Myers, Tyson Barrie.

This year the money will go to the KGH Foundation’s ‘We See You’ campaign, which supports mental health programs in the Southern Interior.

Tournament co-host Josh Gorges said they picked mental health because of how it has affected everyone over the last few years.

“There seems to be so much anger and animosity and people are struggling. I think we can say we all know someone personally that’s affected by mental health,” he said. “So, what better cause to be associated with our event as mental health is. It was a no brainer... I think Blake agrees. It touches everybody.”

Co-host Blake Comeau, said when it came time to gather up the rosters for the game, there was no hesitation from anybody.

“All the guys that came out they’re our friends. So, it means a lot their willing to come out to support us and support the cause,” he said. They all made sure they were going to be here. It’s a nice feeling for me and Josh to be able to have friends like that willing to jump on board.”

Former NHL enforcer Jordan Tootoo has been part of the event since 2018, and has spoken publicly about his brother who died by suicide, alcohol abuse and mental health problems. He said it’s important for him personally to keep raising awareness about mental health.

“It’s something that is near and dear to my heart,” he said. “Mental health is a very broad spectrum. For us to raise awareness using NHL guys right in our backyard here, you can never get enough of it. From day one, it’s been near and dear to me.”

HOMEBASE is key fundraiser for the KGH Foundation and CEO Allison Ramchuk said it’s a welcoming sign to start normal fundraising efforts again.

“COVID-19 caused most of our events to shut down, which are significant ways we engage our community,” she said. “Not only does it restrict our ability to generate revenue, it also limits our ability to connect with people. So being able to come back and be in-person is a sign we’re starting to move into a direction of what’s next.”

Ramchuk added there still needs to be a continued focus on mental health in the city.

“Mental health is as important as our physical health and I think often when we think about mental health, we think about mental illness and that’s a very real thing, mental wellness is something that affects all of us,” she said. “Being able to not just raise awareness but also raise funds so that we can create pathways of care and support local programs is huge, it makes a difference.”