Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS) dropped the puck on their sixteenth season with kick-off events in eight Canadian centres, including the Sunshine Coast.
Using hockey as a catalyst, HEROS teaches at-risk youth important life skills while putting them on the ice in a weekly hockey program.
“We are thrilled to bring hockey to kids in Canada who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to play,” executive director and founder of HEROS, Norm Flynn, said. “We realize that hockey is Canada’s game and something that creates such unity among young people, which is why we give kids the opportunity to play. Not only do they get to learn about the game and the importance of being physically active, but they get to learn all of the elements of teamwork, discipline, listening and respect while having fun in a safe environment.”
This year, HEROS will continue to expand on programming in eight Canadian centres: Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto with a total of 18 programs that will benefit more than 600 youth. Nearly 5,000 children have been influenced by the HEROS program in its 15-year history – a landmark that could not have been reached without the support of Telus, which has been supporting the cause since it enabled HEROS to expand its reach across Canada over a decade ago.
“The value the HEROS program brings to young Canadians is significant and lasting. The Telus team is proud that our support is empowering HEROS to make a difference in the lives of youth in cities across the country,” Olympian Steve Podborski said.
Telus has supported HEROS since 2004, donating more than $1.7 million. Telus team members also volunteer their time to help coach and mentor the youth in the program. To date, Telus has helped HEROS put more than 4,000 Canadian children on the ice through its free hockey programs.
