Second Annual Hockey Helps the Homeless NL

Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) returned to Newfoundland and Labrador for its second year, and Choices for Youth (CFY) was honoured to once again 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 where they are raised and support HHTH’s 60+ local homeless support agencies across Canada.

Learn more about HHTH here.

On May 7th, the HHTH NL 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 an enjoyable experience for all, with breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided, a silent auction running all day long, and a 50/50 fundraiser running for the entire week. The auction was composed of many amazing prizes that ranged from an NL Regiment hockey stick signed by their entire team, jewelry, a Will Kit, gift cards, and more! The proceeds of the auction were in direct support of CFY and our mission to fight youth homelessness.

CFY’s Director of Fund Development and Communications (FDC), Lynnann Antsey, and the FDC team, along with Matt Piercey (Senior Director of Development & Strategy), Dave Banfield (Senior Director of Programs and Human Resources), Melissa Power (Manager of Family Programs & Support Services), and Lindsay Nichols (Administrative Coordinator) volunteered at this year's HHTH NL event.

On the ice, CFY's Josh Youden (Human Resources Coordinator), Mike Samson (Maintenance Supervisor), and Cameron Rice (FDC Officer) participated in the hockey tournament. CFY’s FDC team supported the event execution and operations, while Matt, Dave, and Melissa spoke to players, media, and attendees 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 $63,000 was raised in NL in support of Choices for Youth - surpassing our goal of 60k! We could not be more elated with the turnout and dedication the community showed. Everyone involved, including the HHTH team, sponsors, 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.