After a two-year hiatus, the Hockey in the Harbour gala returned on a high note, marking our return to a full schedule of programming and an opportunity for over 200 guests to be heroes for our HEROS.
The event, hosted at the Pipe Shop Venue in North Vancouver on September 15th, brought together many of the smiling faces we had missed so much. It was tremendous to once again see HEROS supporters dressed their best, catching up with old friends and making meaningful contributions to help youth across the country.
This year, over $150,000 was raised for HEROS programs in 11 cities throughout Canada. That’s enough to ensure 150 kids have access to educational supports, ice-time and personal development opportunities for an entire season.
The evening ended up being a star-studded affair, with Hockey Night in Canada host and HEROS board member Harnarayan Singh as MC, and paralympic gold medallist Donovan Tildesley playing the role of auctioneer.
Guests also had the opportunity to hear from our special guest speakers, Kiera (the City of Vancouver’s 2022 Indigenous Valedictorian and HEROS graduate), along with Noah (a SuperHEROS goalie extraordinaire) and Karen (Noah’s “Super-Mom”), who each shared their own personal experiences and the meaningful impact HEROS programs have had on their lives.
Since the first event in 2018, Hockey in the Harbour has been an opportunity to highlight HEROS’ journey over the previous season, while bringing together industry leaders from Vancouver’s harbourfront community for a fun evening dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people. The members of this community have been incredible supporters of HEROS for many years, not only by attending the event, but by providing program sponsorships, annual contributions and even lacing up their skates with HEROS players!
As a charity, HEROS relies on the generosity of our friends, neighbours and community partners to give vulnerable youth the chance to grab a helmet, lace up their skates and get on the ice in communities where those opportunities aren’t always a reality. We are so thankful for the dedicated support from our amazing sponsors, volunteers and all the wonderful people who attended this year’s gala.
They have helped HEROS and SuperHEROS programs get off to a great start this season and we can’t wait to see everyone again at next year’s Hockey in the Harbour!
Not able to make it out to the event this year but still want to be a hero for a HERO this season? Click here to donate today!