"thank you" on behalf of the Executive for your time and commitment.:
"...it is great that Troy and the Crushers are so willing to help the community, especially minor hockey players."
- Kim Dickson, Executive, Minor Midget AAA organization
Why We Volunteer
- We feel it is our responsibility to lead by example and do what we can to make our community a better place to live
- If we volunteer as a group/team it encourages other groups/teams to do the same
- It helps build character around our team and our community
- We do it because we feel we are in a position to help
- Gives our players an opportunity to become more well rounded
- We enjoy it
United Way
This is our third year in a row that we have volunteered with the United Ways Haunted Hall of Horrors
This is a great event that raises money that goes right back in to our communities
This is not a one time thing. We sit in on weekly organizational meetings, build a room, as well as provide security for the three night event.
Food Bank Drives
For the third year in a row we have organized a food bank drive.
This has been a huge success and has been a real eye-opener for our players (as they are responsible to drop the food off at the food bank).
Terry Fox Run
For the third straight year we have collected money and ran the Terry Fox Run as a team
This year 28 members of the Crushers took part in the run.
This year our Captain Danny MacKinnon walked around our arena and collected money to be donated directly to the Terry Fox Foundation.
Our players also donated $10 each to the Foundation
Totalling over $500.00
YMCA
The Pictou County Weeks Hockey Organization and the YMCA of Pictou County have a great working relationship.
The Weeks Hockey Organization volunteer on Sunday afternoons to run a hockey skills session for children of all ages.
This has been a huge hit and is free for all YMCA members.
Minor Hockey Skate-A-Thons
The Weeks Hockey Organization are always available when approached to take part and support other organizations events.
This was a great event that was to help raise money for Pictou County Minor Hockey
Youth Centre Visits
For three years now the Weeks Hockey Organization have volunteered their time to hang out with community youths at local Youth centres.
This has been great for our players as well as they have seen how fortunate they are to be able to put smiles on some of these kids faces.
West Side Winter Carnival
Every year the Weeks Organization takes part and supports the West Side Winter Carnival.
We design and implement a free hockey clinic and skate with the kids.
Many prizes donated as well.
Dressing Room Visits
The Weeks Hockey Organization volunteer their time to invite all youths to take regular tours of our dressing room following all home games. The kids seem to enjoy this and can often be seen leaving with many pictures and autographs from their favorite players.
Christmas Parade
Ever Christmas the Weeks Hockey Organization takes part in the Christmas Parade. They walk the parade route passing out children’s books and Christmas candy to all the youth.
Minor Hockey Practices
On many occasions throughout the year the Weeks Hockey Organization makes themselves available to help run Minor Hockey practices.
This is great as the players get to meet a lot of the local hockey players that look up to them so much.
Guest Speaking
On many occasions throughout the year members of the Weeks Hockey Organization players and staff have been asked to be guest speakers at many local events.
This is something that is taken very seriously and is an honor to be asked to do.
Local School Visits
School Banquets
School Awards Ceremonies
Minor Hockey Banquets
Hospital Visits
Minor Hockey Teams
Community Parade’s
- PICTOU LOBSTER CARNIVAL PARADE
- WESTVILLE CANADA DAY PARADE
- FESTIVAL OF THE TARTANS
- NEW GLASGOW SANTA CLAUS CHRISTMAS PARADE
Conclusion
When my players ask me why I feel that volunteering is so important I try to draw comparisons that will make sense to them.
Any good hockey organization is made up of many good volunteers who dedicate their time to the success of the team. This is not unlike any good community. Strong communities are built on the foundation of good people that are dedicated to making their community a better place to be (Many on a volunteer basis).
Personally I feel it is very important for me to give back to many of these volunteer based organizations because growing up my family and I benefited from many of their programs.
I would like to thank you for the nomination for this award. It honestly is an honor to be recognized for such an award. Every time we get a nomination such as this, it makes me realize that we are doing a good job in the Weeks Hockey Organization. We are here to develop hockey players……but first of all to help develop people.
Thanks,
Troy Ryan
Head Coach
