Hockey Helps the Homeless NL Debut

Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) made its debut in Newfoundland and Labrador this year, and Choices for Youth (CFY) was honoured to be selected as the organization's recipient charity of funds raised in the province.

Hockey Helps the Homeless is a not-for-profit hockey charity with over 20,000 donors, 3,000 players, and 1,000 volunteers who participate annually. In various provinces, HHTH invites pro players to play games alongside local players and non-players alike in support of a target local charity that fights homelessness.

100% of the net proceeds stay local in the city they are raised in, and support HHTH’s 60+ local homeless support agencies across Canada.

Learn more about HHTH here.

In May, the HHTH event took place at the Paradise Double Ice Complex and welcomed locals of all ages to drop by and enjoy several hockey matches in support of local vulnerable youth.

The event offered a well-rounded and engaging experience for attendees, with breakfast, lunch, and snacks all provided to enjoy during or in between games and a silent auction running all day long. The auction was composed of many amazing prizes that ranged from hockey memorabilia and signed jerseys to kitchen appliances and gift cards. The proceeds of the auction were in direct support of CFY and our mission to fight youth homelessness.

CFY’s Fund Development and Communications (FDC) team, along with Executive Director, Jen Crowe, and Senior Director of Programs and Human Resources, Dave Banfield, attended the HHTH event. CFY’s FDC team supported the event execution and operations, while Jen and Dave spoke to players, attendees and media on behalf of CFY – sharing the organization’s mission, gratitude, and the impact the HHTH fundraising event will have on helping local young people.

Following the success of the campaign and the event, over $75,000 was raised in NL in support of Choices for Youth, and we could not be more elated with the turnout and dedication the community showed. Everyone involved, including the HHTH team, Saltwater Community Association, the CFY team, Pros, players, volunteers, donors, and attendees, contributed to the success of this event – their efforts will help CFY make a difference in the lives of many local young people.

CFY had an amazing first experience with Hockey Helps the Homeless, and the organization looks forward to future opportunities to continue to fight youth homelessness.

Written by Rylee Barry