Play with the Pros to help end Homelessness at the Bell Sensplex on April 20th, 2012
February 6, 2012
OTTAWA, ON, February 6, 2012 - Hockey Helps the Homeless, a volunteer-driven charitable organization, is ready to hit the ice running with our Freedom 55 Hockey Helps the Homeless Mega Fantasy Hockey Event, a men and women’s hockey tournament at the Bell Sensplex on April 20, 2012 in Kanata, Ontario. Complete with star hockey power from the NHL, this hockey event is targeted to raise over $150,000 to help end homelessness in the Ottawa area.
Hockey Helps the Homeless annual fantasy hockey tournaments have seen over 130 NHL alumni and professional players participate since 1996, including Laurie Boschman, Mark Osborne, Brad Marsh, Theo Fleury, Lori Dupuis, Molly Engstrom and Gilian Apps. Men and women will have the opportunity to play alongside their hockey heroes to raise money in support of the homeless in their community.
"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 $4.3 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.
Proceeds from the event will support local Ottawa outreach partners The Ottawa Mission, Ottawa Innercity Ministries and Daybreak Housing.
Together we can help make a difference in the lives of homeless men, women and youth struggling across our region. Don’t get stuck on the bench - please visit our website at www.hockeyhelpsthehomeless.com get involved and help end homelessness in your community.
About Hockey Helps the Homeless:
Hockey helps the Homeless is a volunteer-driven charity organization that was established in 1996 when a group of Toronto businessmen decided to turn an annual industry hockey tournament into a charitable event aimed at helping the homeless. Since our inception Hockey Helps the Homeless has expanded its scope and impact right across Canada raising in excess of $4.3 million while driving awareness and support for Canada’s homeless. Through the significant leverage provided by our players, sponsors and supporters in the community as well as the knowledge and expertise of our outreach partners, we intend to facilitate frontline and reintegration projects, while helping foster the corporate and political will to put an end to homelessness in our lifetime. The face of homelessness and its associated social challenges are changing every day. 30 years ago more than 90% of the people on the street were adult men. Today, it is estimated that there are more than 200,000 homeless people in Canada with children and young families making up the fastest growing segment of the population.
If you would like to learn more about the homeless situation in your community and across Canada, you can contact one of the homeless outreach organizations identified on our website at www.hockeyhelpsthehomeless.com or you can register to play in one of our many tournaments.
About The Ottawa Mission
The Ottawa Mission is a non-profit organization, meeting the needs of the homeless and those at risk of being homeless in the Ottawa region. Established in 1906 on the foundation of food, clothing and shelter, the demand for The Ottawa Mission's services has increased dramatically in recent years. The Ottawa Mission's programs and services have evolved to meet the ever-changing face of homelessness in our city.
About Ottawa Innercity Ministries
The Ottawa Innercity Ministries is dedicated to those affected by homelessness and poverty - utilizing biblical justice, social justice, and advocacy to promote change. With over 90 active volunteers and in a variety of means, methods and venues they reach out to touch, care for, encourage and help people who are experiencing poverty and homelessness.
About Daybreak Housing
Since 1982, Daybreak has been a place to call home for men and women who not only have difficulty finding affordable housing but may also be recovering from additions, abuse, mental illness or limited life skills. Substance free minimum support housing in a community environment provides the safety and stability needed for tenants to rebuild their lives. abusive situations and health, recovery from addictions, escaping abusive situations and limited life finding.
For further information:
Marsha McFadgen, 416-270-4738
mm@hockeyhelpsthehomeless.com