Hockey for the Homeless Relaunches with New Name and Expanded Program
September 19, 2011
Hockey for the Homeless, a charitable organization, relaunches with a new name and an expanded program to encourage participants to help solve the growing issue of Homelessness in Canada.
TORONTO, Sept. 19, 2011 /CNW/ - Hockey for the homeless, a volunteer-driven charitable organization announces some exciting changes to its 2011 program. The new expanded program kicks off with an organization name change to Hockey Helps the Homeless. The change in name is to ensure clarity of understanding in the organization's purpose which is to leverage the sport of hockey, Canada's favourite pastime, to bring awareness to and support for the homeless across Canada through education, fundraising and partnering with outreach organizations.
The 2011 program will continue to build on the success of its hockey fantasy tournaments, with events scheduled between November and February in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Niagara Region and Ottawa. Each tournament will include the participation of NHL alumni, offering a fun and rewarding way for hockey enthusiasts to get involved and support the homeless cause. Hockey Helps the Homeless is also pleased to announce it's first ever Women's hockey tournament, hosted in Toronto this November, with major star power from the world of women's hockey thanks to a newly formed partnership with the CWHL (Canadian Women's Hockey League).
"As a former NHL player, this organization and their tournaments provide an enjoyable yet tangible way for me and my NHL Alumni associates to give back to our communities. In my experience, the event itself (a single-day hockey tournament, reception dinner and silent auction) presents a unique way to raise the necessary funds to support solutions-based homeless organizations located in the host city. To date, the volunteer-driven organization has raised over $3.5 million in support for long term solutions with homeless agencies, shelters and transition programs across Canada" said Mike Gartner, former NHL Great and Honorary Chairman.
In addition to hockey tournaments, Hockey Helps the Homeless will be launching a Student Ambassador Program this fall by bringing our message and fundraising platform into high schools. The goal is to partner with local outreach agencies in driving awareness on the issue of homelessness by engaging and involving youth through events, curriculum, hands-on interaction with outreach partners and personal fundraising initiatives. The organization is very excited about this new growth platform and will launch the program in 6 schools in Montreal andToronto.
Participants, Volunteers, Corporate sponsors and Partners are the backbone of our organization. Together we can help make a difference in the lives of homeless men, women and youth struggling across our country.
View full release at http://www.cnw.ca/en/releases/archive/September2011/19/c4558.html