Funds will support development of hockey at the community level across Canada
CBC Sportsannounced today the 2011 recipients of theHockey Night in Canada Help Fund, created to help support local efforts to develop the sport of hockey and make it accessible for all Canadians. This year’s recipients include the Essex-Kent Ice Bullets from Windsor, the Hamlet of Ulukhatok in Nunavut, the Wawa Minor Hockey Association’s Big Puck Program and Cee Bees Minor Hockey in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Each of these organizations has shown a compelling commitment to help people in their community come together around the great game of hockey,” said Jeffrey Orridge, Executive Director of Sports Properties and CBC Sports “Hockey Night in Canada Help Fundexists to help give back to communities, to engage Canadians where they gather to play this great sport, and to support their local efforts with much-needed assistance.”
The four recipients were selected from a raft of online applications for assistance from theHelp Fundreceived over the past year. A total of $20,000 will be apportioned for the following priorities:
•Essex-Kent Ice Bullets - a $5,000 grant to help purchase sleds and equipment for five of the program’s youth.
•Hamlet of Ulukhatok - $5,000 to fully equip ten local players (to be sourced with the assistance of the NHLPA).
•Wawa Minor Hockey Association - $5,000 to assist with registration fees.
•Cee Bees Minor Hockey - $5,000 to assist with registration fees.
Established in 2008, theHockey Night in Canada Help Fundprovides financial assistance to eligible individuals and groups across Canada. It was designed to help those facing financial and geographical barriers an opportunity to play and promote the game. The final recipients for theHockey Night in Canada Help Fundwere selected by a committee of four including: Kelly Hrudey (Hockey Night in Canada), David Masse and Joel Darling (CBC Sports), Devin Smith (NHLPA) and Gary Meagher (NHL).
For more information regarding theHockey Night in Canada Help Fund, including application process, rules and eligibility requirements, please visit CBCSports.ca/helpfund. Applications for next year will re-open in early 2012.
