Surrey Beavers Ruck for the Cure Raises Record Amount for Cancer Research
On Saturday the Surrey Beavers Ruck for the Cure event raised a record total of over $ 16,500 for Cancer research and to support some local survivors. This was the 9th Annual event for the Beavers and their first Ruck for the Cure event since Covid19.
The club played a total of 3 matches at Sullivan Park, with 2 losses and a draw, but the Womens 33-33 draw with Richmond and the Mens 3rd Division 39-5 and First Division 57-24 losses to Abbotsford were not the real story of the day. Instead, the unity between rival clubs at a level witnessed in no other sport and the deep sense of supporting a higher purpose than just sport was the real headline event.
Wearing pink rugby jerseys sponsored by local businesses, players auctioned off their brand new game-worn attire at the Beaver Lodge, the Beavers newly renovated rugby clubhouse in Cloverdale with several jerseys resulting in such fierce bidding they garnered over $ 1,000 each.
Club President John Eadie, also the auctioneer in chief on Saturday, said when asked what the Ruck for the Cure really means to these players is that I believe it demonstrates the desire to make a difference the lives of those closest to them. Eadie added that also Cancer is a heavy subject, it is also a testament to the temperament of our Club-mates that we can come together and make what could be a negative and serious affair and make it a night full of enthusiasm and positivity.
Eadie, who opened the auction with a heartfelt tribute to a rugby friend and rival from an opposing club from his days in Winnipeg who battled bravely but eventually passed away, then paid tribute to fellow Beavers such as Paul Kelly, Nick Bruce and many others who started this Beaver tradition of Ruck for the Cure before he even joined the club.
Ultimately, Eadie revealed, Rugbys underlying core values of respect, integrity, passion, discipline and solidarity are all strong and intact. You could say they have become ingrained in what our sport is.