Posted on: November 18, 2024, Posted by: Lisa Queen, yorkregion.com, Original article
On Dec. 13, York Region will host its highly anticipated Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) pro-am tournament at the Magna Centre in Newmarket in support of Blue Door and 360°kids.
With NHL and Olympic alumni hitting the ice, this exciting event offers hockey fans and players a unique opportunity to make a real difference in ending homelessness.
“At Hockey Helps the Homeless, we harness Canada’s passion for the game to bring attention to one of the most pressing social issues in our communities — homelessness,” said Blue Door CEO, Michael Braithwaite.
“Through this event, we not only raise funds but inspire lasting change by working with local organizations dedicated to finding real solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness.”
We’re sharing this information with you, even though we didn’t write it. It was provided by Blue Door. This copy was reviewed and edited by the Metroland editorial team.
On Dec. 13, York Region will host its highly anticipated Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) pro-am tournament at the Magna Centre in Newmarket in support of Blue Door and 360°kids.
With NHL and Olympic alumni hitting the ice, this exciting event offers hockey fans and players a unique opportunity to make a real difference in ending homelessness.
“At Hockey Helps the Homeless, we harness Canada’s passion for the game to bring attention to one of the most pressing social issues in our communities — homelessness,” said Blue Door CEO, Michael Braithwaite.
“Through this event, we not only raise funds but inspire lasting change by working with local organizations dedicated to finding real solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness.”
“Housing is hope, and thanks to HHTH, new housing for our most vulnerable is being developed.”
This tournament reaches far beyond the final scores and on-ice winners. It is about rallying together to prevent and end homelessness in a meaningful way.
Each participant, sponsor, and volunteer plays a vital role in helping to ensure that everyone in the community has access to safe housing and the support they need to thrive.
The event is important, youth client, J.L, said.
“I am so thankful for the support of Hockey Helps the Homeless because the tournament raises money that allows me to live in a wonderful apartment with affordable rent,” the youth said.
“The living costs have skyrocketed and there is no way my paycheque would allow me to pay such high rent that some landlords want to charge. I have a solid job now that I love and look forward to being able to go out on my own soon. It would not be possible without the support of the Hockey Helps the Homeless tournament. Thank you to everyone involved for your support.
How You Can Get Involved
- Donate: Your contribution will directly support two incredible local organizations — Blue Door and 360°kids — that provide housing and support services for those facing homelessness.
- Register to play: Join NHL alumni and hockey enthusiasts in a pro-am tournament to raise funds for a great cause.
- Volunteer: Be part of the event by lending your time and talents to help make the day a success.
Together, we can make a lasting impact. Visit the Hockey Helps the Homeless York Region website today to donate, register, or volunteer. Help us skate toward a future where everyone has a place to call home.
About Hockey Helps the Homeless
At Hockey Helps the Homeless, we believe that every Canadian should have a safe place to call home and the support they need to thrive. To ensure all Canadians experiencing homelessness have a fighting chance, we host Pro-Am Hockey Tournaments across Canada where players raise funds to make a direct impact in their community. For more information, visit hockeyhelpsthehomeless.ca
A major initiative that will benefit from the 2024 tournament is the redevelopment of Blue Door’s Kevin’s Place, where construction is set to begin on a 14-unit stacked townhouse complex in Newmarket, designed to provide supportive housing for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness.
This new development will offer safe, long-term housing and essential support services to help residents successfully move toward independent living.
“We are so grateful to HHTH and all the participants and sponsors for raising the funds to help Blue Door create new and dignified housing that will remain affordable and supportive in perpetuity,” said Braithwaite.