When Justin Valentino hits the ice for his hometown Norman Northstars, he knows that, if he gets hurt, medical attention will be available in moments.
Owners of remote cabins at Paint Lake don't have that sort of security. When accidents happen, they're left to their own devices. Sometimes, that leads to tragedy.
Justin's father Jerry Valentino died July 26 as the result of a fall that occurred at the family's Paint Lake cabin.
Afterwards, Justin saw a chance to make something positive come out of his family's loss.
Currently, the only emergency equipment available at remote cottage sites are five designated fire barrels, consisting of a pump connected to two hoses - one leading to the lake, the other to the nearby cabins.
"That's pretty much it," said Justin. "That's all it is. There's nothing else there. No stretcher, there's nothing."
Soon, however, there will be, thanks to Justin's fundraising efforts for some additional supplies.
"It'll be a backboard along with a first aid kit," he said. "I actually thought of it one night sitting with my mom discussing the funeral."
The backboards cost $700 each, so he needed to raise $3,500. He started letting people know about his plan at his father's funeral, then took some letters to local businesses.
The response came fast.
"I have reached that goal," he said. "Maybe a couple days after the funeral and I was at my goal."
He expected the backboards and first aid kits would be ordered by this week. After that, he'll just need permission from the volunteer fire department.
"I have to speak to the fire chief at the Paint Lake volunteer fire hall," said Justin. "I don't think there should be a problem."
He hopes that if it's ever needed, the equipment can help prevent another tragedy.
To all the people who wrote cheques and sent donations with their condolences, Justin is grateful.
"I thank you a lot," he said. "I really appreciate it."
