A local charity recently received a substantial donation from the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority of $4,000 for an annual event on Friday, April 19 at the Living Sky Casino.

The Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation has hosted the NHL Playoff Hockey Draft every April for around a decade and has already sold out this year. 

Chris Martens, executive director for the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation, is thankful for the contribution and anticipates another amazing year. 

"The Living Sky Casino has been consistently quality partners with us within that event, and that was no different this time around," said Martens. "SIGA has been a great partner with the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation for many years now, dating back to just about the opening of the foundation."

The fundraiser sees local teams of 8 gather at the Living Sky Casino to make NHL playoff picks, with cash prizes as high as $6,000 for first place and $3,000 for second. 

Urban Cellars presents this year's event which will also include a live and silent auction, a 50/50 draw, a roast beef dinner, and complimentary draft beer.

"It’s a nice breakaway for people," Martens noted. "There's a lot of realization and understanding that it is a big sponsorship drive for us as well."

Teams can register for $1,200 per team and proceeds from the draft are split between the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation and another non-profit, the Swift Current 57's. 

"It is a very popular event, we are very lucky that it's sold out and supported the way it is," concluded Martens. 

Southwest hockey enthusiasts can call (306)778-3314 or email cimrie@dnif.ca to register or for more information.