NHLPA GOALS & DREAMS CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY
…Celebrations include multiple donations, community outreach, specialized content and more
TORONTO (Nov. 19, 2019) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) today officially commemorates 20 years of NHLPA Goals & Dreams (G&D) helping children play the game of hockey, with celebrations planned across multi-city events spanning the remainder of the season.
The players launched G&D, their global grassroots charitable initiative, 20 years ago to the day at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Since 1999, NHLPA members have donated brand new hockey equipment to deserving children in programs across NHL cities and players’ hometowns around the world. To date, more than 80,000 children across 34 countries have benefited from the hockey program, which has donated over $25 million to help make the sport more accessible.
Throughout the season, G&D will proceed along its regular giving cycle with continued donations of brand new hockey equipment to grassroots hockey programs in cities across North America, including stops in Calgary, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Montreal and many more. Players will be on-hand at various events, engaging with children in memorable on- and off-ice activities with a few surprises along the way.
“Countless players have been involved in helping bring positivity and tangible change to those who need it the most through NHLPA Goals & Dreams,” said Devin Smith, Chairman, NHLPA Goals & Dreams. “From equipment donations to raising funds for Kids Help Phone through the NHLPA Golf Classic – and providing some very touching moments with military personnel and their families through the United Heroes League – G&D is something the players are very proud to support and call their own.”
Highlighting the exponential growth of G&D in both its reach and ways for players to give back to local communities, the program’s joint initiatives with United Heroes League (UHL) and Kids Help Phone have flourished.
Announced in 2018, the UHL and NHLPA announced the launch of the All-Star Hero campaign to recognize four military personnel and their families for their services through the G&D fund.
Adding to the NHLPA’s three-year partnership with Kids Help Phone, G&D is showing up for youth by helping to provide 24/7 resources to young people across Canada. At every Canadian G&D event, participants are given autographed infocards from the players, which contain helpful information and life-saving resources provided by Kids Help Phone.
Beginning today, specialized content surrounding the anniversary of G&D will be published to NHLPA.com for the ensuing 20 weeks, reflecting on the program’s impact and the special player connections forged with their respective communities.
Additional events and activities will also be held throughout the year to celebrate G&D’s 20th anniversary. Follow along with #NHLPAGnD.
-30-
