The Comox Valley Minor Hockey Association is funnelling some of the proceeds from its annual raffle towards a full rebranding.
Back in September, the association met with K’omoks First Nation Council, to talk about changing its Chiefs name and logo to something more culturally appropriate.
They agreed that the name, logo and branding be retired and replaced with one which the association says, “does not invoke indigenous stereotypes that caricature indigenous culture.”
Second vice president, Trevor Pritoula, says the change isn’t going to happen overnight.
“We’ve got a few years to set out a plan and that’s where some of the money from the fundraiser and the raffle is going to be earmarked for,” Pritoula explained. “It will be towards a fund in order to execute the rebranding.”
Pritoula added, “it’s not a cheap thing to buy all-new jerseys for the 500-plus members, and the logistics of getting the design and everything organized.”
The association hopes to have a new logo and team attire in place by the start of the 2024/25 season.
Fundraising looks different this year because of COVID-19, with members not being able to go door-to-door, or physically set up at locations.
As for the raffle, there are 5,000 tickets available for $10 each.
On top of helping fund the rebrand, the money will also be used to off-set the cost of minor hockey in the valley and to keep fees as low as possible.
You can purchase tickets by reaching out to someone within the organization, or by emailing vp2cvmha@gmail.com.
First prize is 15 per cent of the total sales, second prize is 10 per cent, and third prize if five per cent.
Prize amounts will be updated through Facebook posts, leading up to the draw date of Dec. 15th.
