RBC INSURANCE, HOCKEY CANADA & THE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME SEARCH FOR CANADA’S MOST DEDICATED HOCKEY VOLUNTEERS
13 regional RBC Local Hockey Leaders to be recognized in the Hockey Hall of Fame and receive $10,000 each to benefit a hockey-related cause in their community
TORONTO, December 13, 2005 — RBC Insurance, with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame, today announced the launch of a nationwide search for hockey volunteers who deserve to be recognized.
The RBC Local Hockey Leaders program, now in its third year, recognizes and rewards those ‘behind-the-scenes’ hockey volunteers who dedicate their time to support grassroots hockey in their community, while helping create an environment that allows young athletes to realize their potential.
“Volunteers are the engines that drive our national pastime and without these selfless leaders, hockey simply would not happen,” said Neil Skelding, president and CEO, RBC Insurance. “Together with Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame we are asking people to look around their hockey community and nominate individuals who deserve to be recognized.”
Regional winners, one from each of the 13 Hockey Canada geographical branches, will receive $10,000 towards a registered charity/hockey cause in their community, special recognition in the Hockey Hall of Fame and a signed Team Canada jersey. One RBC employee winner will also be recognized.
“We are rolling up our sleeves again this year and searching every Canadian community for the tireless hockey volunteers who go beyond the normal call of duty and inspire others,” said Bob Nicholson, president, Hockey Canada. “These leaders may coach teams, shovel outdoor rinks, organize team fundraising, or teach hockey and life skills – things that make hockey such an important component of community life in Canada. Thanks to RBC Insurance, the Hockey Hall of Fame and the RBC Local Hockey Leaders program we are able to properly recognize their efforts.”
Over the past two years RBC Insurance has awarded more than $200,000 to grassroots hockey activities across Canada through the RBC Local Hockey Leaders program. Grants awarded in 2004/05 have gone to causes close to the hearts of winning volunteers, and include:
- Desperately needed goalie equipment and a bursary program for the “everyone is welcome” Fun Team Hockey Club in Drumheller, Alberta.
- A ten year scholarship for female hockey players from the St. Vital neighbourhood of Winnipeg, Manitoba, to attend school and continue playing hockey at the college or university level.
- The first-ever organized hockey tournament for players from Repulse Bay, Nunavut.
- Coaching and referee clinics for the dedicated hockey volunteers in Tignish, Prince Edward Island.
A panel including Team Canada stars Kelly Béchard and Ryan Smyth, hockey legend Ron Ellis and Hockey Canada officials will select winners from nominations submitted through the program website. Nominations will be accepted until midnight (E.S.T.) January 31, 2006. To nominate a dedicated minor hockey volunteer from your area, go to www.rbcinsurance.com.
RBC Local Hockey Leaders are the behind-the-scenes volunteers who make hockey a positive, safe, and enjoyable activity in their communities. Hard work, dependability, enthusiasm and leadership will be amongst the criteria considered when evaluating submissions.
About RBC Insurance
RBC Insurance provides a wide range of creditor, life, health, travel, home, auto and reinsurance products and services to more than five million clients in Canada, the U.S. and internationally. These products and services are offered through a wide variety of distribution channels, including the telephone, independent brokers, travel agents, a proprietary sales force and the Internet. More information is available at www.rbcinsurance.com.
For further information, please contact:
Brian Findlay or Bob Stellick, 416-603-9452
Brad Pascall, Hockey Canada Communications, 403-777-4556
Jackie Braden, Media Relations, RBC Financial Group, 416-974-2124
Kelly Masse, Hockey Hall of Fame, 416-933-8212