CBC-Sports

Charity a season-long venture for these NHLers

December 11, 2009 04:01 PM | Posted by   Kelly Hrudey  

Tis the season to be jolly is one of the most recognizable lines from a familiar Christmas carol.

Well, the players from around the National Hockey League are doing plenty off the ice to spread the Christmas cheer around all of our NHL cities.

At this very special time of year the teams arrange for their players to visit the far too many children who happen to be hospitalized during the holidays.

It’s a great gesture as these guys are able to lighten a young child’s day, if only for a few minutes.

What’s just as exciting, but often overlooked, is the commitment many players make on behalf of their communities year round as they assist many exceptional charities.

When you have a few minutes, take the time to go to your favourite team’s website and click on the link entitled “Community.”

Scroll down the many threads and I’m sure you will be very impressed with the work done by both the team and the individual players. They donate not only their time and energy to help out, but also their money, which is used to enrich the lives of others who are not as fortunate.

Also take a look at the thread called “Player Programs.” This is where you will find the groups supported by individual players. It is quite an impressive list.

As most of you know, I live in Calgary, so I did my research concerning the Flames players with the help of my very good friend Peter Hanlon (Calgary Flames Vice President, Communications). Not only was I blown away by how many players accept the responsibility of being a spokesperson for a charity or group, but I was also impressed with the players who actually “pony up” their own dollars in support of something they believe in.

One example is with the Flames’ superstar goalie, Miikka Kiprusoff. He’s the official athlete spokesman for the Rainbow Society of Alberta. Every time he makes a save he donates $10 to the Society. It’s huge that in only doing what his job description entails, the organization wins big time.

No fewer than four Flames players willingly donate their own cash by just doing their jobs.

Of course, no surprise here, that captain Jarome Iginla, who supports KidsSport, leads the organization. Robyn Regehr is involved with the Impact Society and David Moss supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. These outstanding people have no problem reaching into their own pockets to help others.

NHL teams and their gifted athletes together raise and donate millions of dollars around the world. I’m not sure they get the credit they deserve for their charitable work.

Luckily for all of us, Tis the season to be jolly is a year long endeavour for these generous people.

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