Powell River Kings raise funds for traumatized employee

Powell River Kings are raising funds to assist an employee who was assaulted outside of Powell River Recreation Complex during a recent home game.

In an emailed statement, the BC Hockey League (BCHL) club announced plans to donate 50 per cent of net proceeds from online 50/50 raffle draws held on two game days (March 17 and 19) during a current road trip to assist its marketing and event coordinator.

“At a recent home game on March 12, Corinne Williams walked outside the complex main doors, just before the end of the game, and witnessed an individual who was verbally abusing two women (Kings’ fans) with foul language and racial slurs,” the hockey club stated. “As she was trying to identify him, one of his friends approached Corrine, poured beer all over her, grabbed and dragged her and eventually physically assaulted her. Corinne is at home now trying to recover from this very traumatic and potentially life-threatening attack.”

In a media release on March 16, Powell River RCMP stated the following:

“Just before 9 pm, police were called to an assault in progress in the parking lot at Powell River Recreation Complex. Investigation revealed that a female subject approached a group of six or seven teenagers who were setting off fireworks. When she told the group to stop, one of the males poured a beer over her head, threw her to the ground and choked her. When police arrived the suspects had already fled the scene.”

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the assault or who may have video of the incident to contact the detachment at 604.485.6255, or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477) or online at bccrimestoppers.com.

The Kings are not sure when Williams will be able to get back to work and are reaching out to fans and the public for support.

“We are seeking your help by purchasing these game day 50/50 tickets so we can all make Corinne’s life a little more comfortable during this difficult time,” the club stated.

Raffle tickets for the March 17 game are on sale now and available until 9 pm. March 19 sales start at 9 am and close at 9 pm. Draw time is approximately 9:10 pm. To make a purchase, go to riverkingsraffle.5050central.com/Home/SelectTickets.