RBC Insurance leads search for Canada's most dedicated hockey
volunteersThirteen regional RBC Local Hockey Leaders® to be recognized in the Hockey Hall of Fame and awarded $10,000 each for hockey in their community
TORONTO, October 31, 2007 — RBC Insurance,
with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame,
today announced the launch of its annual nationwide search
for outstanding hockey volunteers.
"Volunteers are the backbone of our national pastime,
and without them thousands of kids would not have rinks to
play on, equipment to wear or pucks to shoot," said Neil
Skelding, president and CEO of RBC Insurance. "For the
past four years the RBC Local Hockey Leaders program has recognized
these behind-the-scenes hockey volunteers who dedicate their
time to support grassroots hockey in their community. We're
proud to continue this tradition."
Regional winners, one from each of the 13 Hockey Canada branches
as well as one RBC employee winner, will receive $10,000 towards
a registered charity/hockey cause in their community, a signed
Team Canada jersey and trip for two to Toronto, where they
will be recognized in the Hockey Hall of Fame. In addition,
for the first time, all nominees will have their name featured
in the RBC Local Hockey Leaders display case at the Hockey
Hall of Fame.
"The RBC Local Hockey Leaders program enables us to
turn the spotlight onto this very important part of our sport
- volunteerism," said Bill Hay, chairman of the Hockey
Hall of Fame. "RBC Insurance is investing in Canadian
communities through hockey, and we are happy to be a part
of this effort."
Over the past four years RBC Insurance has awarded more than
$500,000 to grassroots hockey activities across Canada through
the RBC Local Hockey Leaders program. Grants have been used
to replace aging equipment, make hockey more accessible, train
coaches, improve facilities and for many other causes close
to the hearts of Canada's grassroots hockey leaders.
"We encourage all Canadians to nominate hockey volunteers
from their community," said Bob Nicholson, president
of Hockey Canada. "These leaders may be organizing fundraisers,
coaching teams, making ice, mending socks or teaching life
skills - all things that make hockey such an important part
of community life in Canada."
A panel including National Women's Team member Jennifer Botterill,
National Men's Sledge Hockey Team captain Jean Labonté,
hockey legend Ron Ellis and Dr. Allan Morris, chairman of
the Board, Hockey Canada will select winners from nominations
submitted through the program website. Nominations will be
accepted until midnight (EST) on January 31, 2008. 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 life, health, travel,
home, auto and reinsurance products as well as creditor insurance
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.
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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,
416-974-2124
Kelly Masse, Hockey Hall of Fame,
416-933-8212
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