Vancouverites can play their favourite sport with purpose this Saturday (Dec. 15) when Five Hole For Food brings some pick-up hockey to Jack Poole Plaza.

The national touring summer event makes its second Vancouver stop of 2012, inviting locals to bring their sticks, contribute cans of food and create good karma in the fight against hunger this holiday season.

The game is co-presented by SFU’s business program, and Five Hole founder Richard Loat said he’s happy other organizations are taking on their model to make a difference beyond the warmer months.

“Hunger isn’t a seasonal issue,” Loat said. “We’re really excited to have people keen to help us make our impact year-round.” The choice to have the main event in the summer is strategic though, as food bank levels are typically extremely low in the sunny months.

Five Hole for Food was born in Vancouver and has blossomed here. The summer game has grown exponentially while past winter events have been held on the first anniversary of the Olympics, as well as during Vancouver’s 125th celebrations held in 2011.

The turnout on Saturday may not be as big as during Five Hole for Food’s summer tour, but organizers are banking on Vancouver’s history of giving to encourage a solid showing. This summer, Vancouver raised the most donations out of 13 Canadian cities, a whopping 43,000 pounds, which was more than the 2011 tour raised altogether.

Loat said he’s excited about the central location for this Saturday’s game.

“We like to embrace the fact that we’re Canadian and Jack Poole Plaza is very unique and special to Vancouver,” Loat said, adding the flat surface, stunning backdrop and central location make it a perfect place for public ball hockey.

The scrimmage is open from 12 to 3 p.m. and all food donations will go to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, which will be taking part in the event.

For more information, visit fiveholeforfood.com.

samanthawrightallen@gmail.com

twitter.com/samanthawrights