Good stewardship takes a turn on the ice

By Nadine Armstrong

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

The Newport and District Rink Commission embarked upon a new ‘ice age’ March 19 when they received a gift that went beyond good corporate stewardship. Waste Management has upped its community commitment by donating a $90,000 ice-resurfacer to the rink.

“This is huge,” said West Hants recreation director Kathy Kehoe, who has worked closely with the commission. She noted that they had purchased the existing machine in 1991, but even then it was an old, second-hand model. “It was just too expensive to operate, and it keeps breaking down,” she said.

The commission had made the request to WM for assistance in replacing the 24-year-old machine, never dreaming the company would shell out for a brand new model. Arena manager Wayne Lunn said in a recent news release that the commission had no choice but to replace the aging resurfacer, but had no idea how it would be paid for. “We ordered the new machine thinking we would have to increase our rates to help pay for it; but thanks to Waste Management, that doesn’t have to happen.”

The volunteer commission has been in operation since constructing the rink in 1974, and chairperson Garnett Davison said that a donation of this size was an attest to the strong commitment that Waste Management had in supporting communities.

Celebration of community spirit

The shiny new Olympia resurfacer was unveiled at the rink during an event WM called a “truly Canadian celebration of community spirit in West Hants.”

Along with representatives from all levels of government and members of the commission, local school children were also invited for a free skate to celebrate the event.

“It’s so nice to see the kids here,” said WM operations manager Gillis Doucett. “That was the whole point in doing this so that the rink can keep going and so the kids can exercise and keep fit.”

Doucett said the donation would make an impact on the entire community. “This is a very big project for us but it's obviously for a good cause. Young and old can enjoy the rink now for years to come.”

Eastern Canada WM general manager for Dave Richmond flew in especially for the event and said he wouldn't have missed it for the world. “Whenever we're working in a community we look for ways to support it. Everyone will benefit from this and I feel fortunate to participate. It's very exciting.”

Good corporate citizens

Area Coun. Randy Matheson said, “this is just tremendous. Waste Management wants to be more than good corporate citizens; they want to be part of the fabric of the community, and I think they’ve shown that. By assisting this volunteer organization in such a positive way, WM is indirectly supporting all things good in our community.”

Minister for Health Promotion and Protection Barry Barnet was on hand for the event and said the rink has always had a special place in his heart. “When Sackville had no place to go and play hockey 25 to 30 years ago, this is where we came; this was our home rink.” He said the community enabled himself and other young people to participate in sport. “The results of this kind of partnership is events like this that contribute to the community.” His representative for the Valley area Mike Trinacty, said it was tremendous to see an organization such as WM partnering in recreation.

West Hants Municipal Warden Richard Dauphinee said it was a good news story that just goes to show private-public partnerships could work. Since partnering with WM for the new landfill in 2007 the company has contributed greatly to the community.

“Waste management is a strong supporter of non-profit organizations and has proven vital to the success of many programs within West Hants,” Dauphinee said.