Community Report
Transcription
Community Report
Community Report 2011/2012 Message from the President August 2012 Dear Flames Foundation for Life Supporters, The Calgary Flames are proud to call this city home, to play in the C of Red and to have the best fans in the National Hockey League. We are also proud to be a part of this tremendous community and the commitments you have helped us make. On behalf of our entire organization we want to thank you for making this possible through the charitable arm of our hockey club; the Flames Foundation for Life. Over 30 years ago Calgary welcomed the Flames as their NHL team. Over this time and since the beginning, the Flames ownership group ensured giving back and improving the lives of Southern Albertans remained among the highest of priorities. The 2011-12 hockey season was accompanied with on-ice accomplishments that resulted in many Calgary Flames players achieving career milestones. The Flames Foundation for Life also experienced milestones in its fundraising efforts; the Flames Ambassador’s Celebrity Poker Tournament raised a recordbreaking $500,000 for the Flames Foundation for Life; the Calgary Flames Better Halves created and sold a cookbook with Flames families’ recipes during the holiday season; and the Flames Celebrity Charity Golf Classic expanded to two golf courses for the first time in September 2011. The growth and milestones the Flames Foundation for Life experienced this season is a direct result of your contributions. Whether you purchase raffle tickets at our games, sponsor our fundraisers, are a donor, a volunteer or a participant—we thank you. We do believe that every game matters, we believe every dollar makes a difference and we believe every person makes an impact. Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for the contributions you have helped us make to the community through your support of the Flames Foundation for Life. Take the time to review our 2011-12 annual report for proof the impact every person can help to make. Sincerely, Ken M. King President and CEO Calgary Flames Hockey Club Board of Directors 2011/2012 Jeff McCaig Chairman Ken King John Bean Alvin Libin Bill Creighton George Brookman George Marlatte Jim Bagshaw Jim Peplinski Lyle Edwards Investing in our Community Since its creation in 1983, the Flames Foundation for Life has served as the charitable arm of the Calgary Flames Hockey Club, offering much-needed funding to varied and far-reaching charities. Continuously evolving over its years in operation, the Flames Foundation now provides millions of dollars in contributions to these key pillars: amateur and grassroots sports, health, medical research and education. In keeping with the original mandate of the ownership group, the Flames Foundation for Life strives to bring positive change to the lives of thousands of southern Albertans. Ronald McDonald House is a compassionate and affordable home away from home for outof-town families whose children are receiving treatment at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. A $750,000 donation to the development of this oasis for families in need was made through the collaborative work of the Flames Foundation for Life and Rotary Clubs of Calgary. Health and Medical Research The Flames Foundation for Life partnered with RONA to invest over $60,000 to modernize and substantially upgrade the Whitehorn Community Association Outdoor Rink. Raise the Bar Campaign The Flames Foundation for Life has partnered with Cardel Place and Mount Royal University to launch a multi-year community-based, action research project to increase physical activity among children, youth and families in north-central Calgary. The Raise the Bar campaign will establish baseline fitness levels within children and youth, help Cardel Place develop and deliver new programs and services to increase young peoples’ physical activity levels and measure the improvement over the next decade. ‘NSTEP The Flames Foundation recently made a donation to the ‘NSTEP program which encourages activity and nutrition through school visits. ‘NSTEP runs physical education programs and delivers “snack attacks”—lunches to schools full of healthy food. The Foundation continues to look for new ways to activate this partnership and elevate exposure. Rotary/Flames House The Rotary/Flames House offers care and aid for terminally ill children and their families in a compassionate, homelike environment. The two-storey, 11-bedroom facility is Alberta’s first free-standing pediatric hospice and sits across from the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Through a special partnership between the Flames Foundation for Life and Rotary Clubs of Calgary, $2.5 million was directed to the construction of the House to provide comfort for families facing a difficult time. Rotary/Flames Park at Ronald McDonald House Nestled beside the Ronald McDonald House, the Rotary/ Flames Park is a two-acre outdoor recreational space. The Amateur and Grassroots Sports RONA/Flames Foundation Renovation Projects Flames Community Arenas The Calgary Flames are committed to sharing the game of hockey with those of all ages. Last season the Flames made a $1 million donation to Calgary Centennial Arenas to upgrade one of Calgary’s most utilized arenas. Refrigerated Ice Rinks The Foundation donated $300,000 towards the construction of state-of-the-art refrigerated ice rinks for the Calgary community of Cranston and the town of Ponoka. These outdoor community rinks allow for a longer skating season—from early fall to late spring—making the ice accessible for hundreds of residents. Flames EvenStrength Program Since its inception in 1998, the Flames EvenStrength Program has donated over $1 million toward alleviating the cost of playing hockey for more than 2,500 children in Calgary. Through Hockey Calgary, youth can apply for assistance in funding from the Flames Foundation for Life each year. Post-Secondary Hockey The Flames Foundation for Life supports hockey at all ages including post-secondary hockey organizations. Recipients of financial assistance include the University of Calgary Dinos, the SAIT Trojans and Mount Royal University Cougars Hockey Teams. Junior Hockey Continuing from this commitment, both the Calgary Mustangs Junior Hockey Club and the Calgary Canucks Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club of the Alberta Junior Hockey League are recipients of Foundation funding, helping to support the game in the province we live in. Aimed at creating a new world standard of health for Southern Albertans, REACH! is a joint partnership between the University of Calgary, Alberta Health Services, the Calgary Health Trust and philanthropic leaders such as the Flames and Rotary Clubs of Calgary. The partnership raised $312 million. Health initiatives and state-of-the-art medical facilities across Calgary which received funding from the REACH! partnership are highlighted below. Public Health and Wellness – CORE Connections Preventing adolescent depression and substance abuse and helping students feel safe and valued at school is the goal of Core Connections, a three-year intervention project currently running in 30 schools. Facilitators work with schools to promote mental health and teach life skills such as how to deal with conflict, difficult emotions and other stressors. The Flames Foundation for Life/Rotary donation allowed the program to get started and sparked other donations and grants making it possible for a seven-year program. Markin Institute for Public Health The Markin Institute for Public Health focuses on preventing disease by promoting health and wellness in the population and conducting research in various disciplines including medicine, kinesiology and urban design. Studies are conducted in schools, workplaces and neighbourhoods. Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta The Libin Cardiovascular Institute, established in 2004, is a ‘virtual institute’ that coordinates and integrates all cardiovascular services in Southern Alberta; this includes educating and training future health care professionals, promoting cardiovascular health and disease prevention, providing treatment and increasing access to cardiac services, and conducting research. The Institute serves over 1.6 million people in Southern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Eastern British Columbia. Rebecca Hotchkiss International Brain Frontiers Scholar Exchange Program The Scholar Exchange Program will allow the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) to achieve its mission of excellence in neuroscience research, education and improved neurological and mental health here in Canada and beyond. Leaders in neuroscience from around the world will visit HBI for extended, intensive research residencies. In addition, HBI faculty, fellows and students will be able to travel to other parts of the world to exchange ideas, collaborate and learn from leading neuroscientists. The Scholar Exchange Program is unique and will enhance the reputation and impact of the HBI and the important work being done. The Foundation has donated $600,000 over four years to this program. Alberta Bone and Joint Institute – Tissue Engineering Lab The Alberta Bone and Joint Institute, founded by J.R. McCraig in 2004, is a nonprofit umbrella organization for bone and joint health care, research and education in Alberta. Funds from the REACH! partnership were directed to the Tissue Engineering Lab and the purchase of equipment. Research on repairing damaged cartilage and ligaments is the focus of the lab. A key piece of equipment purchased for the labs enables researchers to perform ongoing experiments on cells to determine how they respond to compression and how best to push stem cells towards damaged tissues. These experiments bring science closer to engineering tissues to implant and repair damaged cartilage and ligaments using stem cells which offer the best chance at treating joint injuries. Project NeuroArm • Cardiovascular Health Awareness and Management Program • Canadian Hypertension Education Program • A CIHR supported study assessing hypertension occurrence, management and outcomes in Canada • World Health Organization meeting on sodium reduction • National Cardiovascular Outcomes Workshop NeuroArm is a surgical robot with the precision and dexterity of a surgeon’s hand. A combination of space robotics and advanced imaging technology, NeuroArm is the first of its kind. The robot performs technically challenging surgical procedures in parts of the brain a surgeon’s hands cannot go, all with minimal invasion on surrounding brain tissue. Made of non-ferromagnetic materials allows it to be used in conjunction with MRI technology, meaning images of the brain can be taken throughout a procedure without interrupting the flow of surgery. Officially unveiled to the world on April 13, 2007 following years of research, design and engineering, NeuroArm has helped over 1200 patients, 17 of these last year. Research continues in new areas and development of NeuroArm II is underway. Hotchkiss Brain Institute – Spinal Cord and Nerve Regeneration Project Southern Alberta Institute of Urology The goal of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, which was launched in October 2004, is to translate research in neuroscience and mental health into innovative health care solutions. Research focuses on the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves and looks at both healthy and diseased tissue. Discoveries are applied towards preventing, detecting and treating neurological and mental health issues including multiple sclerosis, stroke and psychosis. The Rotary/Flames Laboratory for Spinal Cord Research within the Hotchkiss Brain Institute is the site of the Spinal Cord and Nerve Regeneration Project. Each year in the province of Alberta 2,400 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and the disease claims more than 400 lives. Early detection and treatment are critical to successfully fighting this disease. Opened in April 2010, the Southern Alberta Institute of Urology is a 40,000 square foot one-of-a-kind facility that has treated more than 43,000 patients to date. The Institute is the only medical structure built entirely through philanthropy and within its walls are offices for 14 Urologists and the Prostate Cancer Centre. The centre runs the Prostate Cancer Rapid Access Clinic which has reduced the time it takes to reach a diagnosis from 95 days to 8.5 days; a huge impact in the fight to save lives. The following projects were supported by the Rotary/Flames donation: Investing in our Community Education Harley Hotchkiss Scholarships To recognize academic and athletic excellence, the Flames Foundation introduced the Harley Hotchkiss Scholarships in 2009. Honouring long-time former Calgary Flames owner Harley Hotchkiss, the scholarships are awarded to well-rounded students excelling both in the classroom and the hockey arena while demonstrating leadership to their respective teams. The University of Calgary, SAIT and Mount Royal University will each continue to receive three $1,500 scholarships per year to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of student athletes. George Pelawa/Calgary Flames Foundation Educational Fund George Pelawa was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, by the Calgary Flames in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. Tragically, this bright Flames prospect was killed in an automobile accident just months after the draft. The Flames chose to honour his accomplishments and his memory by offering a scholarship to Bemidji High School students in his name. In 2010, the Flames renewed their pledge to contribute $15,000 to the scholarship fund over the next three years. Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation The Kinnear Centre opened in the summer of 2010, providing thousands of artists and leaders with a stateof-the-art centre in which to collaborate, create and innovate. One of the rooms was named the Calgary Flames Foundation Room, in recognition of a $300,000 donation by the Flames Foundation for Life Additional Donations through the Flames Foundation for Life 50-50 Raffle Hockey Fights Cancer The Calgary Flames have long been proud to support the National Hockey League’s initiative to raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer, both locally and nationally. Proceeds from the 50/50 draw at this year’s Hockey Fights Cancer game were over $30,000 with additional funds raised through the sale of Hockey Fights Cancer merchandise. The Flames Foundation also directed a $10,000 charitable grant from the NHL to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta to help in their important mission of offering hope and support to families facing childhood cancer. Calgary Food Bank The Calgary Food Bank gathers and distributes quality emergency food to individual Calgarians and the agencies that serve them. In December 2011, the Flames Foundation for Life donated $21,953 to the Calgary Food Bank. CFCF–Military Families Fund The Military Families Fund (MFF) was first established in 2007 as an organization to quickly respond to unique, unforeseen, and often immediate needs of military members and their families. The Flames Foundation for Life raffle raised over $24,000 on the Flames Military Night in December 2011. United Way of Calgary and Area The United Way gives individuals and families the opportunity to reach their potential and improve their quality of life. This season, through the Flames Foundation for Life raffle, more than $32,000 went to the United Way in support of their programs and initiatives. H.E.R.O.S.—Hockey Education Reaching Out Society H.E.R.O.S. works with kids across Canada to make hockey more accessible through community programming, teaching hockey skills and the game, along with positive lifestyle instructions. Through the Flames Foundation for Life raffle on TELUS Night, over $32,000 was donated. Fundraising Initiatives Calgary Flames Celebrity Charity Golf Classic 50/50 Draws Before the Calgary Flames hit the ice, the entire team, alumni, management, owners and hockey personel hit the greens with sponsors and fans for a day of golf. Last year’s Charity Golf Classic marked the 31st anniversary of the signature event. The tournament took place at two golf courses with players meeting back at the Scotiabank Saddledome. In 2011, the Calgary Flames Celebrity Charity Golf Classic raised $340,000 for the Flames Foundation for Life, with funds raised to date totalling more than $4 million. The 50/50 tickets that fans can purchase at every Flames home game have gone digital and a running total is displayed on the Energy Board throughout the game. Through the ongoing and inspiring contributions from fans, the 50/50 program has raised over $6 million for southern Alberta charities since 2001. Danone SuperSkills Competition The Calgary Flames annual skills competition supports both minor hockey programming and two charities. All proceeds are directed to the the Flames Foundation for Life and the NHLPA Goals & Dreams Fund. Over the past five years, the Danone SuperSkills Competition has raised over $370,000 in support of both charities. Newalta’s Big League Experience For the past four years, representatives and sponsors from participating companies have teamed up for a friendly game of hockey against Calgary Flames alumni. Since its inception in 2008, the Big League Experience has raised over $400,000 in support of the Flames Foundation for Life, with $150,00 this season. Fundraising Partners Calgary Flames Ambassadors The Calgary Flames Ambassadors are a dedicated group of volunteers comprised of prominent local business and community leaders with the common goal of supporting and promoting the Flames. The Calgary Flames Ambassadors are responsible for two key events every season and many community endeavours. Through their efforts, the Calgary Flames Ambassadors have raised millions for the Flames Foundation for Life. The Calgary Flames Ambassadors’ Celebrity Poker Tournament Every year the entire Calgary Flames team and coaching staff, along with alumni and local celebrities, come together to lay their cards on the table for the Flames Foundation for Life. The 2012 Celebrity Poker Tournament raised a record-breaking total of $550,000 for the Flames Foundation for Life, bringing the total raised over seven years in excess of $2.5 million. The Flames Ambassadors’ Celebrity Roast The eighth annual Celebrity Roast paid homage to Craig Conroy. This fun-filled event included stories, photos and footage from this Calgary Flames alumnus’s past, as well as dinner and auction items. The generous spirit of attendees and sponsors was evident in the more than $130,000 raised by the event. All proceeds were directed towards the Missing Children Society of Canada and the Flames Foundation for Life. Calgary Flames Ambassadors: Dave Appleby Sharon Bartley Gwen Becker Dave Blackman Dax Brewster Michael Broadhurst Bill Brown Katie Clayton Kelly Dinning Lyle Edwards Shawna Ellis Paul Faverin Chris Fiest Dan Forigo Sean Fraser Jim Freeman Kevin Gregor Tim Hamilton Steve Horvath Don Jakul David Johnston Wolfgang Juchem Ivan Juul-Hansen Allan Karpyshyn Paul Kelly Ron King Shane King Rob Kinnon Hansine Kostelecky Jennifer Kozan Sean Krassman Scott Laird Bob Libin Bob Lockhart Dave Lush Steve Major Ken McCowan Phil Mitchell Terry Moore Greg Peterson Darcy Seitz Tyler Shandro Deep Shergill Howard Silver Gillian Sinclair Tony Smith Ian Squires Gord Sterchi Jamie Tiessen Andrew Trifaux Kris Vaugeois Sharon West Len T. Wong David Zaleschuk Calgary Flames Better Halves Community Incentives Calgary Flames Better Halves Cookbook The Calgary Flames players’ wives and girlfriends have also embraced the team’s commitment to the community by initiating new events and programs and participating in annual fundraisers each season. The first annual “Ice to Ovens: Recipes from the Kitchens of the Calgary Flames” cookbook contained all of the best recipes straight from the homes of Calgary Flames players, coaches, alumni and their Better Halves. The Ultimate Ladies Night Out presented by Scotiabank Ronald McDonald House Cooking Nights The fifth annual Ultimate Ladies Night Out event raised over $80,000 for the Flames Foundation for Life. The Better Halves walked the runway in fashions from CrossIron Mills retailers and assembled baskets of their families’ favourite things for a silent auction. Flames Better Halves and families visit the Ronald McDonald House every season to cook dinner for the residing families. The Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home for out of town families receiving treatment at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Player Initiatives While all members of the Calgary Flames participate in Flames Foundation for Life events and initiatives throughout the year, some have taken on additional responsibilities. These programs and initiatives are a result of the deep, personal commitment of individual players to their communities and causes they cherish. The Flames Foundation for Life matches each player’s financial commitment up to $25,000. This year the total donated through the matching program with the Flames Foundation for Life was over $80,000. Jay Bouwmeester has aligned with the H.E.R.O.S. (Hockey Education Reaching Out Society) program for the second season. Bouwmeester donates tickets to program participants and visits events with program youth. Mark Giordano Matt Stajan is a spokesperson for the Alberta Children’s Hospital. The Flames forward donated a set of season tickets for each home game last season to youth receiving care at the hospital and participates in the hospital’s fundraising activities and events. Curtis Glencross continues his commitment to Special Olympics Calgary by making appearances at their athlete programs. Glencross also spearheaded the Glencross Invitational Charity Roughstock Event in benefit of the Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer which will take place this August 2012. Lee Stempniak is one of the faces of the Flames and Calgary Educational Partnership Foundation’s Reading . . . Give it a Shot! program. Stempniak visited schools this past season to reinforce the positive effects of literacy. is a spokesman for Habitat for Humanity and appears in many of the organizations communication materials. He and his wife Lauren are chair members of the Habitat for Humanity 5-for-5 initiative which raises funds for the construction of five homes in five different countries. Giordano donated $25,000 to this initiative last year. Giordano is also one of the faces of the Flames and Calgary Educational Partnership Foundation’s Reading . . . Give it a Shot! program. commited to donating $10 to the Children’s Cottage Society for every save he made during the 2011-12 regular season totaling over $18,000 this season. The Flames goaltender has donated over $55,000 to the Rainbow Society of Alberta in the last three seasons. Cory Sarich Alex Tanguay is the Honourary Chair of the Country Hills Classic, presented by the Mavericks Chuckwagon Society, which raises funds for the Flames Foundation for Life and Children’s Link Society. This year’s event raised over $225,000 for children’s charities. Mikael Backlund has partnered with both the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta and the Sunshine Foundation of Alberta. As part of this partnership, Backlund donated $100 per goal during the regular season to the Sunshine Foundation of Canada and $100 per assist during the regular season to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta. Backlund also donated tickets to both organizations for program youth to attend a Flames game and meet him after. Jarome Iginla continues to support KidSport Calgary and KidSport Canada, donating $2,000 for every goal he scores during the regular season. The Flames captain has raised over $550,000 for the organization. Miikka Kiprusoff partnered with the Canadian Cancer Society directed to stomach cancer research for the second season. Tanguay donates $200 per assist during the regular season, or a minimum donation of $10,000, to the national cancer organization’s Alberta/NWT division. Last season, Tanguay donated $10,000. The amount was also matched by KPMG, bringing the total donation to $30,000. Community Programs The Calgary Flames’ support for the community reaches beyond a financial commitment, putting the promise to improve the lives of Southern Albertan’s into action. Through strong and continuously growing programs, the Flames positively impact the lives of thousands. Coaching Day in Alberta Powered by NSD Wheelchair Hockey at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Every year the Calgary Flames go to Gordon Townsend School in the Alberta Children’s Hospital for a game of wheelchair floor hockey. Flames players sign autographs afterwards. Coaches from around the province have the opportunity to learn from the best of the best at Coaching Day in Alberta. This special clinic is an initiative that invites coaches and hockey administrators from across Alberta to attend a seminar on a wide range of coaching topics including skill development and off-ice training. Alberta Children’s Hospital Christmas Visit Each December Calgary Flames players visit the Alberta Children’s Hospital to make crafts with youth and deliver gifts. Reading . . . Give It A Shot! Every season Flames players visit grade four, five and six students as part of the Reading . . . Give It a Shot! program. This Calgary Educational Partnership Foundation and Calgary Flames reading incentive program encourages students to read by combining player visits with a bookmark reward system. With the results of the program improving every year, a reported 96 per cent of these students have an improved motivation to read. Community Programs Pumpkin Carving at the Ronald McDonald House In late October, Calgary Flames players and their Better Halves made their annual Halloween visit to the Ronald McDonald House to carve pumpkins with the children. Pond Hockey by ENMAX For over a decade the Calgary Flames have teamed up with ENMAX Energy and Calgary Hockey Development to match minor hockey players with their NHL heroes. Evenings of Pond Hockey by ENMAX took place on outdoor community rinks in January and February with Flames players and members of Calgary minor hockey teams. Flames and NHLOA Zebras Care The National Hockey League Officials Association (NHLOA) in partnership with the Calgary Flames, KidSport Calgary and Hockey Calgary work together each season to present the Zebras Care Program. This is an opportunity for underprivileged young athletes to see behind-the-scenes action before the puck drops at a Flames home game. The lucky program candidates are given tickets to the game, a Flames jersey and a special gift. They are also invited to meet NHL Officials and are able to ask them all of their hockey questions. Alumni Initiatives & Community Involvement Calgary Flames Alumni are active representatives of the organization throughout the year. Attending various events, fundraisers and tournaments, the Alumni are visible community supporters and representatives of the organization. The Alumni organize initiatives and fundraisers as well as support those run by the Calgary Flames. This past season the Alumni were busy attending events together with the Flames. Events include some of the following: • • • • • Okanagan Hockey School Wild Rose Hockey Challenge Calgary Flames Celebrity Charity Golf Classic Coaching Day in Alberta Calgary Flames Ambassadors’ Celebrity Poker Tournament • Calgary Economic Development–Hockey Day in Canada event • BT Classic These events are only a few that the Alumni support alongside the Flames. The Alumni also host the Alumni Masters Golf Tournament each year raising over two million dollars for the Impact Society since its inception in 1994. On May 31, 2012 Flames Alumni held the Alumni Masters at Heritage Pointe Golf Course, raising over $120,000 for the Impact Society. This tournament sees over 50 NHL stars and alumni as well as other celebrities and is one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year. The Flames Alumni are predominant faces in Calgary’s communities. The Flames organization proudly has the largest group of supporting alumni. Thanks to their hard work throughout the year, they have helped the Flames Foundation for Life raise funds for deserving Albertans. Calgary Flames Minor Hockey Programs The Flames continuously work to support programs that develop grassroots hockey in southern Alberta. In addition to important community initiatives, the Calgary Flames are proud to bring minor hockey to the C of Red through great in-game programs. Calgary Flames Hockey School Calgary Co-op Kids Club Olympia Rider Each Calgary Flames regular season home game features a Calgary Co-op Kids Club Olympia Rider. Riders receive two tickets to the game and will ride along on the Calgary Co-op Olympia machine as it floods the ice after the pre-game warm-up skate. The Calgary Flames Hockey School, presented by Okanagan Hockey Schools, provides an opportunity for children age 5 to 17 to hone their hockey skills over the summer months. The school focuses on both off-ice and on-ice skill development, while featuring visits from Calgary Flames players, coaches, alumni and Calgary Hitmen players. Scotiabank Skater At every Calgary Flames regular season home game, one lucky young athlete surges off the bench to lead the entire Flames team onto the ice. This is an opportunity for Calgary minor hockey skaters aged 8 to 11 to skate with their hockey heroes just before the puck drops. Calgary Sun/Shaganappi Chev Minor Hockey Relay Minor hockey players have the opportunity to show off their hockey skills and speed in front of the Scotiabank Saddledome crowd through the Calgary Sun/Shaganappi Chev Minor Hockey Relay during select intermissions throughout the regular season. Calgary Flames Minor Hockey Programs Calgary Sun Meet Your Favourite Flame For many kids in Calgary, the chance to meet their favourite Calgary Flame player is a dream come true. Youth under the age of 18 are able to enter this contest through the Calgary Sun website by explaining why a player is their favourite Flame. The selected winners meet the player after a Flames home game, receive tickets to the game and get an autographed photo. Adopt-A-Team The Calgary Flames proudly partner with local businesses and individuals to bring minor hockey players to Flames games and aid in their efforts to raise funds and thank their volunteers. Over the years, thousands of teams have benefitted from the Adopt-A-Team program, which has provided more than $100,000 tickets and raised over $1 million for teams. and organizations across southern Alberta. Calgary Hitmen Community Initiatives Petro-Canada Teddy Bear Toss Wendy’s/Hockey Calgary Novice Development Day When the Calgary Hitmen scored their first goal during the 17th annual Petro-Canada Teddy Bear Toss, 25,303 bears rained down on the ice. The bears were then distributed to over 50 different organizations over the holiday season. The Calgary Hitmen continue to support grassroots hockey in the city through the partnership with Hockey Calgary and Wendy’s Restaurants. Novice team members gain valuable tips from Hitmen players attending their practices and their coaches attend a coaching seminar. All novice teams sport Hitmen jerseys with a Wendy’s shoulder patch. Finally, all novice players and their coaches attend a Hitmen game as part of Wendy’s/ Hockey Calgary Novice Development Day. Movember Movember is a worldwide campaign created in Australia in 2003. Participants start clean shaven and grow a moustache for the entire month to raise awareness and funds in the fight against prostate cancer. The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club, Canada Safeway Limited and Movember Canada joined in partnership for an in-game promotion to raise awareness of prostate cancer and to provide funding support for prostate cancer awareness, early detection and treatment. Salute to the Military The Calgary Hitmen game scheduled on November 11, 2011 offered a special salute to the military—past and present. It also allowed us to invite members of the Calgary Police Service as well as Calgary Fire and EMS. The Remembrance Day game featured a traditional pre-game program utilizing the Energy Board for a full video presentation followed by a two-minute silence with veterans and current uniformed personnel on the ice for the formal program. Front of the Class The Calgary Hitmen and TELUS have established a partnership with the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Separate School District to implement a program to recognize the outstanding work and dedication of Calgary Elementary teachers. Students, parents and school administrators nominate teachers from their schools who are making a significant contribution to the development and education of our children. Calgary Hitmen Community Initiatives Hockey Mums Fight Breast Cancer The Calgary Hitmen, together with TELUS and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, joined forces to create a future without breast cancer. The TELUS “Hockey Mums Fight Breast Cancer” promotion ran during October 2011 and attempted to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, early detection and education and awareness programs. This season, the Hitmen wore pink jerseys and pink helmets for the game on October 29. Faith and Family Night Faith and Family Night, sponsored by Shine FM, was an inspiring night of hockey, groups, families and faith on January 20, 2012. There was a post-game skate with Christian music for the 52 church groups that were in attendance. For the churches, it was an opportunity for outreach with discounted tickets to a family-friendly evening of music and sports with a Christian theme. Getzlaf’s Gamers The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club, in partnership with TELUS and former Hitmen player and current Anaheim Ducks NHL player, Ryan Getzlaf, have developed “Getzlaf’s Gamers”. This program is designed to allow children that would not normally have the opportunity to attend Hitmen games, to come to a game and watch from the TELUS suite in the Scotiabank Saddledome. Kids Up Front manages the tickets so that children from various social agencies and charitable organizations in Calgary and the surrounding area can attend a Hitmen game. Shooting for the Stars Lunar Celebration The Calgary Hitmen partnered with Hopewell Residential Communities, Safeway, Vision 2000 and Calgary Economic Development for the Lunar Celebration game on February 24, 2012 to celebrate multiculturalism in Calgary. The objective is to educate current Hitmen fans but also to assist the introduction of various cultures to the sport of hockey. The game featured fortune cookies, lion and dragon dancers and post-game fireworks. The Calgary Hitmen and CrossIron Mills partnered to “Shoot for the Stars” in an effort to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity on November 20, 2012. A second intermission contest was held with three contestants selected to compete in the “Shoot for the Stars” promotion. After a series of CrossIron Mills trivia, each contestant was able to choose from a star that, when revealed, contained a CrossIron Mills gift card value valued at $100, $250, $500 or $1,500. The star not chosen was presented to Habitat for Humanity. Calgary Hitmen Community Initiatives Subway Soccer Day in Calgary The Hitmen strive to support all young athletes, regardless of which journey they take through sport. On December 9, 2011 the Calgary Hitmen hosted Subway Soccer Day, where proceeds from mini soccer ball sales and the 50/50 draw went to the Fields for Life Campaign. This program provides opportunities for kids to play soccer in Calgary and valuable resources to improve local playing fields, benefitting the health of all individuals in the community as well as the development of the sport. Souper Stars/Food for Thought Last season the Calgary Hitmen players visited local elementary schools demonstrating the importance of physical fitness by playing a game of floor hockey against students. After working up an appetite, the Hitmen players helped serve a healthy lunch along with the Souper Stars staff and were also available to answer students questions, while signing autographs. Donations Over 500 donations have been made to various charitable organizations by the Calgary Hitmen. Corporate Caring Since its inception in 2001, the Calgary Hitmen Corporate Caring program has provided businesses and individuals in Calgary and surrounding areas the opportunity to send more than 100,000 tickets to charitable agencies, the Calgary Board of Education, low income and new immigrant families and amateur sports teams. Distress Centre Awareness Game The Calgary Hitmen, in partnership with EllisDon and Pattison Outdoor, are supporting ConnecTeen “one save at a time”. Proceeds from the March 11, 2012 game against the Red Deer Rebels supported ConnecTeen programs and initiatives. Calgary Roughnecks Community Initiatives The Calgary Roughnecks had a successful 2011-12 season both on and off the turf. In addition to their 12–4 regular season record, the players also participated in over 60 events around Calgary as they continue to make their commitment to the community a top priority. Player appearances included: • • • • • • • • • • • Roughnecks Fan Fest Canada Day Golf Tournament Men’s Expo Tradeshow Na’amat Canada Calgary School Supplies for Kids Packing Day KidSport & Rhett Warrener’s Bowlarama, KidSport Poker Tournament Cardel Ladycrosse Training Camp 21st Annual Bowl For Kids, Hitmen, Flames and Flames Alumni Charity Golf Tournaments YMCA Walk a Mile in her Shoes McHappy Day Loungeburger After-Parties Classroom Lacrosse hosted by Andrew McBride in 39 different schools—totaling 59 days of lacrosse instruction for 13,466 students Mike Carnegie also spearheaded the Mike Carnegie Burma Campaign, which strives to further the ongoing efforts of Partners Relief and Development. Partners assists those, especially children, affected by war and now living in hide sites in Burma’s conflict zones, refugee camps and migrant communities along the Thai-Burma border. Through education, healthcare and sustainable development projects, Partners Relief and Development works to improve the lives of people in Burma who face insurmountable odds in these regions. Harvey the Hound Not all Flames fans can make it to a Calgary Flames home game in person, but not to fret because Harvey also makes special appearances throughout Calgary and southern Alberta all year long. Over the years, Harvey has delighted Flames fans and kids of all ages with his antics and continues to be one of the most recognizable mascots in all of professional sports. • Below is a list of events Harvey the Hound attended last season to bring the C of Red to southern Alberta: • The Village of Champion, Alberta’s Centennial Parade. • Many Alberta Children’s Hospital visits including their own Stampede Parade. • PREP Program’s annual “Let’s Talk Hockey” fundraiser held at Flames Central. This initiative is aimed to help achieve their mission to promote full inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome into society. • Harvey was invited to become the Reviewing Dignitary with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets – 335 Calgary. After inspecting the corps, he was presented with the distinction of becoming an Honorary Able Seaman. • Participated in the 30th Annual Santa Claus Parade in Fort Macleod, Alberta. • Helped light up the holiday season with Mayor Nenshi at the 25th Anniversary of the Lion’s Festival of Lights. This light display is an annual tradition held by the Lions Clubs of Calgary and area within the majestic Confederation Park. • The Festival of Trees in Red Deer, Alberta. • Was once again invited to participate at the NHL All-Star weekend held in Ottawa this year. While there, Harvey performed at many of the festivities promoting the game and many charitable foundations. One such event was held at the estate of our Governor General in support of the • • • • H.E.R.O.S. program, which through its hockey program for at-risk youth, provides these children with a commitment to strong social values. The organization also provides a clear understanding of effective life skills to help them build a solid foundation for the future and to make healthy life choices. Harvey and the Flames have been supporters of this invaluable program for years. Performed alongside hundreds of minor hockey players in the Heroes Pond Hockey Tournament held at Arbour lake. This event was a feature on CBC’s Hockey Day in Canada. Helped endorse rising music star, Candace Lacina, in her quest to become the winner of AMP Radio’s “Rockstar” contest held at Mount Royal University. Was a guest at countless minor sporting events throughout southern Alberta, supporting tournaments and young athletes in their pursuit of being active, working as a team and ultimately having fun. There are no bounds to where the Hound ends up, including Lake Bonavista, Signal Hill, Strathmore, Springbank, Airdrie and Black Diamond. Attended many community and private functions in support of various initiatives and charitable endeavors. The Humane Society, Rotary Challenger Park, Canadian Cancer Society are among the organizations that benefitted from Harvey’s presence at various events. Our Hound helped kick off many fun runs and walks in support of community organizations throughout the year. The Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary, Juvenile Diabetes Research and various education facilities are just a few of the beneficiaries who called on Harvey, and the laughter and lunacy he provides, to help enhance their events. Candice Goudie Executive Director, Flames Foundation for Life t. 403-777-3689 e. [email protected] www.calgaryflames.com/foundation