Theresa Nevills watched the devastating news of the February 10 mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., unfold from her home on Vancouver Island, over 1,000 kilometers away. The tragedy struck the small northeast British Columbia community of about 2,400 residents, leaving many in shock.
“It wasn’t the kind of thing you would ever expect from a small-town community,” Nevills said. “Any Canadian that watched the news would have the same sort of sharp pain and helplessness as they watched everything unfolding.”
Nomination for Community Healing
Despite having no personal ties to Tumbler Ridge, the retired Royal Canadian Air Force aviation maintenance superintendent felt driven to act. Learning that the local community centre served as a vital gathering spot for residents in the aftermath, she nominated the town for Kraft’s annual Hockeyville contest, noting no other entries existed.
The centre houses the town’s arena, pool, library, and curling rink. “That space is sacred to them,” Nevills explained. “That’s where everybody went to join hands, rally each other and be there for each other, hold each other and get them through the first couple of days of what had happened.”
Attractive Prize and Growing Backing
The contest offers a grand prize of $250,000 for arena improvements and the opportunity to host an NHL preseason game. Nevills, who joined the RCAF in 1981 and retired last November, drew inspiration from a past win by Stirling-Rawdon, Ont., in 2012 while she served nearby in Trenton.
“It just seemed to me like this was a really golden opportunity,” she said. “You hear so many Canadians that really felt for Tumbler Ridge, and I thought that maybe this could be a way that everyone could help. Everyone could feel a part of Tumbler Ridge healing.”
Endorsements from Hockey Stars
The nomination has attracted high-profile support, including Olympic gold medalist and Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser. She promoted the Tumbler Ridge campaign to her 55,000 social media followers this week.
Wickenheiser highlighted Maya Gebala, a shooting survivor still recovering in hospital, who participated in her 2024 WickFest hockey tournament in Calgary. “I remember it was such a big undertaking to fundraise and get to Calgary for that Tumbler Ridge team,” Wickenheiser posted on LinkedIn. “A small town, just like where I came from. I always have a soft spot for those towns.”
Peace River South MLA Larry Neufeld calls for a provincial public inquiry into the incident.
Contest Timeline and Community Resilience
Nominations close March 1, with provincial and territorial winners announced March 14, each receiving $50,000. The grand prize winner follows on April 4. Nevills acknowledges hundreds of competing communities but argues Tumbler Ridge merits victory amid its recovery.
Win or lose, Nevills observes the residents’ resilience. “Rallying behind each other and really facing the dawn of a new day,” she said. “They’re grieving, but they’re growing together, stronger.”
