Hockey Helps the Homeless grants $95K to YMCA following first-ever Hamilton/Burlington event

It was a great day to play hockey for a good cause. 

On Friday, April 11, 2025, over 180 local players descended on the Mohawk 4 Ice Centre to participate in the inaugural Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) event in support of Hamilton/Burlington.

Thanks to our players, and our generous donors, the YMCA received $95,000 for two specific programs that prevent homelessness—the Men’s Residence in Hamilton and the Youth in Transition program in Burlington.

“We couldn’t be happier with how the event turned out. Not only did we raise an incredible amount of money, but we also had a day that brought people together, increased awareness of the charitable impact of the YMCA, and strengthened our connection with the community,” says Manny Figueiredo, President and CEO of the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford.

Genevieve Hladysh, HHTH Committee Member and VP of Health, Fitness, and Aquatics & Men’s Residence at the YMCA says the money raised will directly support the men.

“It will help us provide them with safe shelter, connection to services, and the resources they need to rebuild their lives. We’re so grateful to HHTH for believing in our mission and for giving us this opportunity to expand our impact in the community.”

“It’s a true testament to what we can do when we come together,” says Lily Lumsden, HHTH Committee Member and VP of Employment, Immigration, and Youth Services at YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford.

“Thanks to the outpouring of local support, we can continue to help young people leaving the child welfare system find stable housing, gain life skills, and build a brighter future."

The pro-am event brought local changemakers together with NHL alumni and hockey Olympians for a one-day tournament in support of local programs that prevent homelessness.

“Every dollar raised is more than just a donation—it’s hope, stability, and a fresh start for someone in the community,” says Emma Langlois, Senior Business Development Manager with Hockey Helps the Homeless.

“It takes a lot of work to get an inaugural event off the ground, and we are grateful to our pros, our sponsors, and the YMCA for helping us make it a success.”

Several organizations stepped up to make draft night and game day possible, including TD Bank, Beer League Hockey Practice, Cornerstone, Crozier, Route 56, Hamilton Steel Hockey Club, Walters Inc., Red Jar Energy Partners, Invizij Architects Inc, Meridian Credit Union, Cogeco, Alinea Land Corporation, Tim Hortons, Leggat Auto Group, McGoawn Insulations Ltd., The Beer Store, Staybridge Suites Hamilton-Downtown.

“A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated, sponsored, watched, shared, and fundraised. We can’t tackle homelessness on our own, but when the community comes together, we can do some incredible things,” says Figueiredo.

#TheYSavesLives #ShineOn #ShutoutHomelessness