When Cochrane High School's two boys basketballs hit the court on Valentine's Day, they'll be doing more than sinking baskets; they'll be playing from the heart to strike out against cancer.

Cochrane High is inviting the public to help raise funds for the Kids Cancer Care at its Hoops for a Cure this Thursday night, starting at 6 p.m. The game was originally scheduled to be held last Tuesday but was postponed due to the extremely cold that closed most Cochrane schools.

Both the junior and senior boys teams will be taking to the court to challenge their Bert Church rivals with the juniors playing first at 6 p.m., followed by the seniors at 7:45 p.m.

This fundraiser has been taken on by CHS Leadership as a passion project of team member T. J. Weibe, who is also a member of the varsity girls basketball team. She's now in grade 12 and wanted one last opportunity to give back to the organization that helps families fight childhood cancer.

Her brother Brock, a multisport athlete at the school, was diagnosed and treated for stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Cobras football team held a pink game in his honour and TJ spearheaded a purple basketball game two years ago.

This time they aim to raise $1,000 from the event, explains Natasha Gicuchi, of CHS Leadership member who also plays for the varsity girls team.

Admission to the games will be by donation and raffle tickets will be sold for $2 for a chance to win a gift basket, made possible by contributions of local businesses.

They'll also be fun games with lots of cool prizes during the halftimes of both games, say the pair.

Those attending the game are encouraged to wear purple, the colour representing the fight against childhood cancer.

"This is a great community event," says Gicuchi, "We welcome everyone to come and join the fight."

For over 25 years, Kids Cancer Care has offered programs uniquely designed to meet the needs of the whole family at each stage of the cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

At their Camp Kindle, located in the Water Valley area, they create magical camp experiences for children with cancer.