Every October, the WalterFedy community rallies around our Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) team. The annual tournament supports local charities and in 2019, Lutherwood, House of Friendship, oneROOF Youth Services and YW K-W Emergency Shelter will split the funds raised at the tournament.
Our Team Captain, Steve Hales, has been involved with HHTH since the tournament’s inception six years ago. “Our company hockey team was participating in other local fundraisers when the opportunity to join HHTH came up and we knew it was a great fit with our corporate values,” says Steve. “The chance to play with ex-NHL and Olympic athletes and hear stories from their playing days also made it a unique experience to take part in.”
But what is it about this tournament that keeps our employees coming back year after year? “This tournament is a great opportunity to give back to several local charitable organizations at the same time,” says Jordan Hardy, WalterFedy HHTH team member. “I’ve been volunteering with my family since I was young, but what I didn’t know growing up was just how many charities there are. Contributing to four charities at once reaffirms my belief of how critical it is to give back, provide support to your neighbour, and be thankful for what you have.”
Jordan’s project management skills have been called on this year to manage the overall internal fundraising efforts for our team. Along with a BBQ, a jersey day and a 50/50 draw, the team also coordinated a huge silent auction to fundraise for the tournament. “The entire company comes together to support the fundraising efforts of our team and we really appreciate it,” says Jordan. “It shows how important community support is to our company.”
The tournament is run entirely by volunteers from industries across the Waterloo Region. Donna Lloyd, a long-time WalterFedy employee, well-known community member and hockey enthusiast has coordinated all those volunteers for the past five years. “I’ve been volunteering in our community for as long as I can remember, but being involved in this tournament has brought together my passion for hockey and my love of working with the community,” says Donna. “I truly believe in why this tournament is run; every Canadian needs a safe place to call home and the support to thrive.”
This year’s tournament exceeded their huge fundraising goal of $235,000 and raised $260,000! They also surpassed a total of $1 million dollars raised since the tournament’s inception. Congratulations to this phenomenal community event for all your successes. WalterFedy is happy to be a part of all the amazing work you’ve done supporting our community.