A young Shawnigan Lake goaltender is aiming to win $25,000 toward her education and hockey goals, along with a feature in Sports Illustrated.
Paige Macfarlane is 11 years old and plays with the co-ed AAA Island Wolves high-performance hockey team. She is competing in the Colossal Youth Athlete of the Year competition, which recognizes young athletes across Canada while raising funds and awareness for two charities.
The Why Not You Foundation — founded by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and singer Ciara — supports education initiatives to fight poverty. The V Foundation, started by legendary North Carolina basketball coach Jim Valvano, is dedicated to one mission: Victory Over Cancer.
"I have been avidly fundraising and working hard to raise funds for votes and I have made it to quarterfinals," Macfarlane said.
"I would also use the winnings towards my next hockey goal: to play in the CSSHL and get a solid education while pursuing high level hockey. My dream is to be in the Olympics one day, be a paleontologist, and pay it forward as a goalie coach."
Supporters can cast a single vote for Macfarlane at https://athleteoftheyear.org/2025/paige-96a7 for free until 7 p.m. Sept. 18.
Donors can make an even bigger impact by purchasing additional votes such as 20 times for $10, or 50 times for $25.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that runs online competitions like Youth Athlete of the Year, giving participants a chance to showcase themselves while raising money for good causes.
