The organization currently runs programs in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. This donation will help Hockey 4 Youth expand its programming into Hamilton for the first time.
"We are very excited to join forces with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the National Hockey League in support of Hockey 4 Youth's expansion into Hamilton," said Rich Jureller, President of the Buffalo Sabres Foundation. "Their proven program will have a tremendous impact on many deserving youth in Hamilton and we are very proud to support their efforts as part of the Legacy initiative for the 2022 NHL Heritage Classic."
"Hockey is an essential part of the 'Canadian experience'" said Tanya Mruck, Executive Director, MLSE Foundation. "We know that providing equitable access to sport leads to success and opportunity off the rink for youth and their communities. By collaborating with Hockey 4 Youth, the National Hockey League and Buffalo Sabres Foundation to increase access to hockey for diverse communities in Hamilton, we are empowering the next generation to use sport to recognize and reach their potential."
"We are inspired by, and indebted to, community organizers like Hockey 4 Youth who are opening up our game to newcomers," said Kim Davis, NHL Senior Executive Vice President, Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs. "They are proving time again that what is gained through this sport - the friends, the life skills, the values - is attractive to all families, regardless of your national origin or color of your skin. We're proud to invest in programs that will fuel hockey's long-term growth."
Today the Sabres, Leafs and NHL celebrated the donation by inviting kids from the Hamilton Boys & Girls Club to participate in ball hockey programming with special guests including NHL alumni Mark Fraser, Peter Ing, Wilf Paiement, Wayne Primeau, and Rick Vaive; as well as mascots Sabretooth and Carlton. Additionally, today's youth participants were given tickets to tomorrow's sold-out outdoor game.
The Legacy initiative is an ongoing philanthropic endeavor through which the League and the local Club support community organizations in the host city of an NHL Event. Since 2003, the League, its Clubs and partners have donated more than $6 million to communities across North America. Legacy projects have aided thousands of hospital patients in recovery; helped at-risk youth and families gain better access to educational and vocational training; and provided greater access to people of all ages to learn and play hockey.
