On September 14th, HEROS was thrilled to see an incredible group of partners, donors, and volunteers for another fantastic year of Hockey in the Harbour, with this year’s event being presented by NexGen Energy Ltd.
Once again, the event was held at the stunning Pipe Shop in North Vancouver, bringing together so many friends from the HEROS community, all in the hopes of making an impactful contribution to help marginalized youth across the country.
This year, over $120,000 was raised with CIBC Wood Gundy’s Vancouver Park Place office – one of HEROS longest standing supporters – leading the charge and committing an incredible $20,000 contribution for HEROS programs across Canada this season. The support raised at the event will help ensure HEROS and SuperHEROS players have the ice-time, equipment, and crucial mentorships they need to grow this upcoming season.
Guests learned exactly what that growth looks like, hearing from HEROS alumni and current volunteer, Deaunte, about the impact HEROS had on her life and how the support didn’t disappear when she graduated the program. Deaunte captivated the room with her HEROS experience and proved that it really is a team for life, explaining how HEROS and the support from the Herrendorf Family Foundation is providing her with critical educational support and helping her achieve her dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher.
In fact, the HEROS mantra, “Once a HERO, always a HERO” turned out to be the theme of the evening, with HEROS’ President and Founder, Norm Flynn sharing an inspiring reflection on the support HEROS provides:
“We have HEROS players who started the program 20-plus years ago and now have grown up to be nurses, lawyers, teachers, plumbers, and businesspeople. A few of which are even here tonight. What’s so important to us as an organization is that they know we will always be there for them, so that if they move away and come back in 5 years, they’ll find us at the same old rink, at the same old time, getting kids on the ice.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be Hockey in the Harbour if the evening hadn’t also featured some star power. This year, the event saw award winning broadcaster and HEROS volunteer, Rob Kerr as MC, and even had a special guest appearance from HEROS Ambassador and recently retired NHL player, Sven Baertschi.
Overall, the night was an extraordinary success and provided an incredible opportunity for many in the HEROS community to share a meal, have a laugh, and make a lasting impact on the young people in their community who need it most.
HEROS can’t thank this year’s sponsors, guests, and volunteers enough for such an amazing experience. You have helped start the 2023-2024 season off with a bang and we are so incredible grateful for your continued support!
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 learn more about our upcoming Hockey in the Roundhouse event in Toronto on November 16th.