RBC Insurance leads search for Canada’s most dedicated
hockey volunteers
Thirteen regional RBC Local Hockey Leaders® to be recognized in the Hockey Hall of Fame, awarded $10,000 and a team spot in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay
TORONTO, January 19, 2009 — RBC Insurance,
with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame,
today launched its annual nationwide search for outstanding
hockey volunteers.
"For the past six years the RBC Local Hockey Leaders
program has recognized unsung volunteers who dedicate their
time to supporting minor hockey in their communities,"
said Neil Skelding, president and CEO of RBC Insurance. "We
believe it's important to recognize these volunteers because
without them, hockey in our communities simply would not happen."
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,
all of this year's winners will receive a Team Spot in the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, which will give them and
up to 20 individuals the opportunity to collectively carry
the Olympic Flame. This Team Spot will enable the Local Hockey
Leaders to recognize others who have come together to help
them make a difference to minor hockey in their communities.
"Through the RBC Local Hockey Leaders program, we're
able to acknowledge the efforts of these important Canadians,
who are crucial to minor hockey in Canada," 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 six years RBC Insurance has awarded more than
$600,000 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're asking all Canadians to nominate those tireless
hockey volunteers who help make hockey possible in their community,"
said Bob Nicholson, president of Hockey Canada. "These
leaders may maintain the rinks, coach teams, organize fundraisers,
or teach life skills - all things that make hockey such an
important part of community life in Canada."
A panel including National Women's Team member Jayna Hefford,
National Men's Sledge Hockey Team captain Jean Labonté,
hockey legend Ron Ellis, Dave Cobb, Executive Vice President,
Revenue, Marketing and Communications, VANOC 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 (EDT) on April 17, 2009. 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, dedication, commitment and impact
on the community will be amongst the criteria considered when
evaluating submissions.
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For further information, please contact:
Katie Hammill or Brian Findlay, 416-603-9452
Andre Brin, Hockey Canada Communications, 403-777-4557
Jackie Braden, Media Relations, RBC, 416-974-2124
Kelly Masse, Hockey Hall of Fame, 416-933-8212
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