On Saturday, November 1, a special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the brand new Carter Schoonderwoerd Memorial Rink in Mitchell.
The new outdoor rink is housed in the Keterson Park Tim Horton's Pavilion, and was made possible after the Schoonderwoerd and Terpstra families raised over $117,000.
The rink was built in memory of Carter, who tragically took his own life in 2021. Carter's dad Joe says he was so thrilled to see so many people come out for the event and to take home the message of mental health awareness.
"They're seeing the message. Have we got a place for kids to come and play? Yes. But are we also opening up people's eyes and ears, to your neighbour, to your family, or friends, and bringing conversations in a positive way to a lot of people? That's what we wanted," Joe shared proudly.
Funding for the rink was also secured through grants obtained by local businesses Uniac Insurance and Van Allen Insurance. The rink was also made possible with support from the Municipality of West Perth and Mitchell Minor Hockey.
Joe says he believes good things will come from having the rink there, with a message on the entrance honouring Carter's legacy and the importance of mental health.
"For instance, the other day we had some dads coming over here before their kids were getting ready to go on the ice in the arena, and they read the message on the outside of the boards, and they all went and sat over on the bench and had a couple pops, waiting for their kids to get ready for their game. And I wondered 'Did that, reading the sign, spark some conversation?' I certainly think so, and that's what this is all about," said Joe.
Local dignitaries including West Perth Mayor Walter McKenzie and Perth-Wellington MP John Nater were in attendance and took part in the ribbon-cutting.
Joe says he and Heather want people to take mental health seriously and they hope the rink and it's positive message encourages people to do so.
