HALIFAX – EastLink Television pre-empted its Wednesday evening broadcast schedule to carry a fundraising game played in honour of Sébastien Savage. The Moncton Aigles Bleus hockey player was left paralyzed in his upper and lower extremities after an accident during a game on October 22.
The game between the Saint Mary’s Huskies and Moncton Aigles Bleus was played at the Halifax Forum and aired on EastLink Television at 7 p.m. this evening.
All proceeds from ticket sales are going to Savage and his family. The Saint Mary’s Huskies were originally scheduled to play the team on October 26 but delayed the game as the Aigles Bleus and the University Sport community came to grips with the accident.
“As a supporter of Atlantic University Sport and the local hockey community, we knew we wanted to play a role,” said Michael Smith, director of EastLink Television. “While we want to encourage people to attend the game, we wanted to provide an option that would allow everyone to participate in this special fundraiser and have an opportunity to provide a donation to Sébastien and his family.”
EastLink also set-up a pledge line for viewers to call to make a donation during the broadcast. EastLink provided the telephone lines for the broadcast, including a toll free number accessible throughout the Atlantic Provinces. EastLink employees volunteered their time to answer the calls.
"Atlantic University Sport was very saddened by the unfortunate accident that left Sebastian paralyzed. We are extremely proud of the programs, including Saint Mary’s, that are making an extra effort to provide as much support as they can for Sebastian and his family. We are also thankful to EastLink Television for providing room in their schedule to cover the game Wednesday night,” said Phil Currie, executive director, Atlantic University Sport.
Rogers Television also carried EastLink Television’s broadcast live to viewers in New Brunswick.
