INNISFAIL – The Town of Innisfail didn't sponsor the recent Innisfail Eagles golf tournament fundraiser, as town council believes the senior men’s hockey team’s request does not fit with the town’s new sponsorship policy.
During council’s regular meeting on June 23, Meghan Jenkins, the town’s director of community services, introduced a report with a request for sponsorship funds from the Innisfail Eagles Hockey Club to support its 2025 Blades & Birdies Golf Tournament fundraising event on July 10.
Jenkins reminded council that the town’s new sponsorship policy was approved last October and it outlines that requests for sponsorship may be submitted by organizations operating within Innisfail or benefiting the community.
Council was also told the 2025 operating budget identified $5,000 for sponsorships.
Jenkins said this year the town has so far allocated $2,500 to the Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo, $1,100 to the annual Innisfail Harvest Festival and $400 to the Rotary Club of Innisfail’s annual golf tournament for a total of $4,000.
However, with just $1,000 remaining in the sponsorship budget several members of council had problems with the Eagles’ request.
“I'm concerned and find it awkward because I'm concerned there's a precedent potentially for numerous sports organizations who would probably come forth and argue that they might bring just as much to the town in the way of hotels and meals, and patronization of businesses,” said Coun. Gavin Bates.
“I also look at the lucrative agreement that we have with the Eagles, the arena and the wall advertising. And nobody else has that.”
Coun. Janice Wing said she had a “struggle” with the Eagles’ request, noting it could open the door for other organizations seeking financial support to operate their organizations “without actually talking at all about the benefit to the community."
“The Eagles aren't raising money this year to go away to a national tournament. This is basically just to offset their operating costs as a team,” said Wing. “I think the town has a solid partnership with them. I don't see any real value coming back to the town.
“I don't support this request at this time.”
Both Mayor Jean Barclay and Coun. Dale Dunham also had reservations about the request.
“I can't support this because of potentially where it could lead us to,” said Dunham.
Barclay later told the Albertan that sponsorships tend to go to non-profits that are raising funds that will go back into the community.
“I think for council it was really raising funds to go into their (Eagles) operations, and with the agreements that are already in place for things like advertising at the arena, we felt they're getting support already,” said Barclay.
“And then if you do this for the Eagles, what about all the other organizations in the community who are also looking for funding for their operations?”
Council ultimately voted in favour of a motion to not provide the Eagles a sponsorship for the team’s golf tournament fundraiser as it did not fit with the town’s policy.
The Albertan contacted Ryan Dodd, the Eagles’ general manager and board member, about council’s decision.
Dodd said his team appreciated the opportunity to request a sponsorship and respected council’s ultimate decision.
“It's their decision to be made, and they made the decision and we respect it 100 per cent,” said Dodd, who added his organization does benefit the town by attracting out-of-town citizens to come to Innisfail. “There's 100 and 148 people playing in the tournament and it could be 150 or something.
“It's bringing lots of people into the community,” added Dodd. “They're all going to be coming in looking to eat and have something. They'll be stopping at businesses. And so, it's good for the community.”
Coun. Jason Heistad recused himself from the council discussion as he believed it would not be appropriate due to him being a member of the Eagles’ board.
