Back in 2005, Robert “Knobby” Knudson had heard about a bunch of kids who wanted to play hockey but whose families could not afford to play in existing leagues. Knobby approached Frank Spry and Jerry to figure out how to get these kids on the ice. Knowing there were likely many more kids wanting to play hockey, they formed Knobby’s Kids at Lanspeary Park. However, Knobby’s isn’t just about hockey, it’s about introducing kids to their first pair of skates and the exhilaration of skating. Now getting ready for its 13th season, Knobby’s is open for children ages 3 – 13. Gear is provided for free, thanks to generous donations of equipment, as well as skating and hockey instruction. The program is held on Saturday morning beginning at 8 am.
Knobby’s Kids is grateful for the support of the St. Clair College Alumni Association that provides an annual grant of $5,000 to cover the cost of ice rental and program insurance. In 2016, the Gary Wilson Foundation made a generous grant of $10,000.
Knobby's Kids will be the proud recipient of proceeds from The Kirk Dame Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday, August 26th.
Knobby’s continues to flourish under a new team of volunteers, with Marty Kerester and Chris Patten leading the team. For more information about Knobby’s Kids, and to register for the upcoming season, VISIT THE KNOBBY'S KIDS FACEBOOK PAGE.
St. Clair College Alumni Association
Jerry’s relationship with St. Clair College grew out of his friendship with John Fairley, long-time VP College Communications and Community Relations. Jerry and John served on many volunteer boards and committees over the years, and, John looked to Jerry as a mentor.
John was following the news about Knobby’s Kids when he learned they were having trouble raising money to pay for the annual ice rental. Recognizing the importance of this program to kids wanting to learn how to skate and play hockey, John went to the St. Clair College Alumni Association to seek their annual sponsorship to cover the total cost of the ice rental and insurance for the winter program at Lanspeary Park.
The 2018/2019 marks the 9th anniversary of financial support from the Alumni Association to Knobby’s Kids.
William “Bill” Macri began his inspiring career as a paramedic in 1981 post graduation from the Paramedic program (EMCA) at St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Science. Bill ushered in the era of defribrillation and initiation of base hospitals, and with that the advancement of skills and education opportunites for the paramedic, something he was passionate about. He involved himself in every aspect of his profession.
Bill truly loved being a paramedic. He respected the work, the people and most of all the patients and families entrusted to his care. Bill was awarded the Governor General's EMS Exemplary Service medal in 2009. Bill's career ended in July 2013 when his valiant battle with cancer ended and took his life.
He was a great man who displayed honour, courage, dedication, compassion and humility. He considered serving his community and fellow emergency responders as a privilege of the highest order. The William Macri Memorial 4th Watch was established to continue Bill’s commitment to promoting a culture of respect and pride amongst paramedics through education, support, communication and partnerships with other emergency service responders and the community. And, to improve the community’s understanding of this service by connecting people and resource. The Bill Macri Memorial Scholarship has been instituted at St. Clair College to support a student in need who is in the Paramedic Program.
Jerry’s family has selected this as one of the events designated charities in gratitude for the tremendous support, aid, and professionalism extended by paramadics (EMS) to Jerry as they came to his aid many times over the years.
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County
It is somewhat bittersweet that Jerry’s passing coincides with the retirement of Hospice Executive Director, Carol Derbyshire. In 1979, Jerry and Carol were early recruits to serve on the organizing committee to form the hospice program in Windsor. They formed a life-long friendship as their paths crossed over many committees and organizations. Jerry was always on hand to lend any type of support to Windsor Hospice that was needed to ensure that patients and families would receive compassionate care close to home.
Donations to Hospice will be allocated to the area of greatest need. Should you wish to make a donation to Windsor Hospice, please CLICK HERE then click on the Hospice's "Donate Now" button.
Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation
Jerry raised his family and built his business in Windsor because he thought this was the best place to be. Windsor was obviously good enough to be the center of the auto industry in Canada, so why was the province not investing in its health care? Why was the province making desperately ill people travel to London or Toronto for treatment? When community leaders started talking about building a cancer centre, Jerry became one of its founding members of what is now known as the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. Quite simple, Windsorites deserved access to compassionate care close to home.
The injury Jerry sustained in the car accident in 1964 continued to plague him his entire life. (He will be the first to admit that he always didn’t follow doctor’s orders.) But when he needed attention at the hospital, he did everything he could to have his care in Windsor.
The family is immensely grateful to the many nurses, doctors, housekeepers, technicians, dietitians - all those that worked hard for Jerry – for their dedication to health care in Windsor.
Donations to the Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation will be designated to the area of greatest need. Should you wish to make a donation to WRHF, please CLICK HERE then review "Ways to Give."
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