Local Major Atom A team raises money to help seven-year-old boy
http://www.orilliapacket.com/2016/09/26/local-major-atom-a-team-raises-money-to-help-seven-year-old-boy
A lesson in strong work ethic for a minor hockey league team became a special gift for Grayson Gillespie.
The seven-year-old boy from Gravenhurst was nervous about slipping on the ice as he walked out to drop the ceremonial puck for the team that helped make a wish come true for him.
Grayson, with his family, will be able to stand proud and sing O Canada at his first-ever NHL game in November.
"We're going to watch them play and wish them luck," he said.
It's a treat for Grayson and his family, given to them by Orillia Minor Hockey League team Major Atom A - Burton Team of Investment Planning Counsel.
Grayson was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. To correct the condition, he has had to endure several corrective heart surgeries and eventually a heart transplant in 2011. Having recovered from the major surgery, he now has to take medication for seizures, immunosuppressants and high blood pressure for the rest of his life, two common follow-up for transplants.
A doctor among the parents who volunteers with the team mentioned Grayson and his family to coach Dallyn Telford as potential recipients of Major Atom A's summer project.
The 17 team members spent this summer learning the importance of a strong work ethic and raised $200 each to go towards Grayson's trip.
"We wanted... to get it through to them that hard work is everything from now until they're 70 years old," said Telford, adding that each boy ended up working a total of 40 hours.
"We came up with the idea that if they're going to work, why not earn a small wage? And at the same time, learn the value of money and the ability to save it.
"Our players thought it was important to be able to provide this kid with an experience he'll never forget. They know hockey best, so we came up with the idea to send him to a Leafs game," said Telford.
Team member Eric Taher, of Orillia, said that among other tasks, he spent his time doing yard work, piling wood next to a shed close to his house and helping his grandparents tow stones for a pathway around their house.
"We did it because he hasn't really had the experience of a game," said the 10-year-old. "We thought it would be awesome to give him the experience, and it would make it a day to remember for the rest of his life."
Grayson's mother, Natalie Gillespie, stood teary-eyed as she watched her son clutch the puck he got to keep as a memento from Sunday's game at Rotary Place.
"I just felt very thankful and grateful and just amazed that people would think about doing that for a family," she said. "It amazes me -- the kindness and generosity -- especially in younger kids. I think Dallyn was helping them be aware that not everybody's life is the same."
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