The annual Hockey Helps the Homeless tournament took place recently, bringing together 16 hockey teams from Waterloo Region and other areas to raise money for people experiencing homelessness.

The annual Hockey Helps the Homeless tournament in Waterloo Region raises money to support six local charities that help provide housing and other essential services to people in need. Over the past 12 years, the tournament and other community events have raised more than $2.9 million to help fight homelessness in Waterloo Region. Since its inception in 1996, Hockey Helps the Homeless has granted over $39 million to help combat homelessness.

One of the main beneficiaries is ShelterCare, an emergency shelter run by House of Friendship that provides men experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay, nutritious meals, and support to help them rebuild their lives. Organizers and community leaders say the growing need for housing and shelter makes this support more important than ever.

The initiative shows how sports and community teamwork can make a real difference in the lives of people who need support. Hockey Helps the Homeless is a not-for-profit hockey charity with over 30,000 donors, 4,000 players, and 1,000 volunteers who participate annually. All net proceeds stay in the communities where they are raised and support 82 local homelessness support agencies across Canada.

Source: CambridgeToday.ca