Record- breaking Numbers Reached For Hockey Helps the Homeless
The Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) Vancouver Tournament is designed to bring together the Canucks Alumni, amateur players, community leaders and supporters with a meaningful purpose as the target.
Such was the case again this past November at the UBC Thunderbird Arena. In fact, it set a fundraising record of $1,168,400 through the Pro-Am format that includes former NHL Players and Olympians skating alongside amateur participants.
Canucks Alumni members – both on and off the ice – included Dave Babych, Nathan Lafayette, Dave Thomlinson, Geoff Courtnall, Kyle Wellwood, Sami Jo Small, Denis Pederson, Phil Von Stefenelli, Dean Moore, John Craighead, Neil Einsenhut, David Jones, Mike Brown, Sean Crowther and Bryan Richardson, among others.
Perhaps the most powerful moment of the day came from guest speaker Brady Leavold, a former professional hockey player who shared his personal journey through addiction and homelessness. His story underscored the importance of the cause and highlighted the very impact these funds will have on individuals and families in need.
Net proceeds from the tournament remain local, supporting 13 Vancouver-based partners that provide essential services, housing and recovery programs for vulnerable adults in our community.
Beneficiaries include First United, a long-standing HHTH partner of more than 15 years; Community Builders, which provides supportive housing and low-barrier shelters; Last Door Youth Program, focused on addiction recovery for youth and families; Westminster House, supporting women in recovery and the Indigenous Cultural Wellness Program, offering culturally safe resources for individuals at risk of homelessness.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding event and a remarkable fundraising achievement that will make a meaningful difference across our community.
