Hockey Helps the Homeless Raises $350,000 for Homelessness in Waterloo Region
For the 11th year, Hockey Helps the Homeless dropped the puck for a good cause in Waterloo Region. This year, they scored big, raising a remarkable $351,000 to help our most vulnerable.
Any hockey fan knows the thrill of a last-minute goal or the nail-biting intensity of a penalty kill.
And sometimes, that becomes the story of the game.
But behind every highlight reel moment are hours of practice, teamwork, and grit. That same dedication is what made this year’s Hockey Helps the Homeless fundraising tournament at RIM Park in Waterloo such a success. It wasn’t just about the game on the ice—it was about an entire community coming together to make a difference.
Every dollar raised from this year’s event is going directly to six local non-profits that work tirelessly to support people experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region: The Working Centre, One Roof Youth Services, YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo, Starling Community Services, The House of Friendship and the Cambridge Shelter.
For organizations on the front lines, the impact of these funds is profound.
“We are grateful for the continued support from Hockey Helps the Homeless,” said Lindsey White, Safe Haven Youth Services Program Manager at Starling Community Services. “This support ensures youth have a safe space and an alternative to the street. This grant also guarantees youth have access to life skills learning opportunities to successfully live independently in the community.”
This year’s $351,000 is more than just a number—it’s hundreds of meals for those who are hungry, safe beds for those with nowhere to sleep, and vital services to help people rebuild their lives.
Hockey Helps the Homeless isn’t just a Waterloo Region event. Over the next seven months, 21 tournaments will take place across Canada, all with the same mission: to raise awareness and funds for homelessness by leveraging Canada’s love of hockey.
But according to Trevor Anniss, Operations Manager for Hockey Helps the Homeless, there’s something particularly special about the Waterloo Region tournament.
"It's actually one of our higher tournaments for total donations,” Trevor explained. “The donation amounts here might be smaller—around $25 on average—but what makes Waterloo Region stand out is the sheer number of people contributing. The whole community gets involved, and that’s what helps us hit these incredible goals.”
The tournament brought together people from all walks of life—local business leaders, former NHL players, volunteers, and community members—all united by a common goal.
“My message would be just thank you,” said Trevor. “Thank you to everybody who is involved in this event, in whatever capacity—whether you're a volunteer, a participant, or a donor. All those little things make such a difference, and it’s just so amazing to see this community come together to support this event.”
Just like a hockey team pulling together to win a big game, Hockey Helps the Homeless shows that when a community works as one, it can achieve extraordinary things.
This year’s victory isn’t just about the funds raised; it’s about the lives changed. It’s a testament to what happens when people step up to help others. And in Waterloo Region, that kind of teamwork will leave a legacy felt far beyond the rink.