The Hockey News owner W. Graeme Roustan donated 1,000 hockey sticks to the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation, which distributed the sticks to benefit local sports programming for children and youth.
Ottawa SenatorsThe Ottawa Senators Community Foundation recently shared how it distributed a donation of hockey sticks from The Hockey News publisher and owner W. Graeme Roustan.
Roustan also owns Canada's only hockey stick factory with Roustan Hockey, located in Brantford, Ont. He donated 1,000 sticks to the Senators Community Foundation, which works and invests in Ottawa and Western Quebec to improve the quality of life for underserved children and youth.
"We are appreciative of this gift, which supports our mission of helping youth from underserved communities achieve their full potential," the foundation said in a statement. "The Senators Community Foundation, through partnership, want to support and equip children and youth with the skills they need to reach their potential. We know that young people are natural problem solvers – all they need is the opportunity."
Out of the 1,000 sticks donated, 700 went to a national children's charity, Their Opportunity, which subsidizes and delivers local sports programming to educate and support children facing barriers and help them reach their full potential.
Another 300 sticks went to Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, which provides outdoor programs and mentorship that develop leadership, resilience and responsibility in youth between 12 and 16 years old.
Roustan discussed his ties to Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley.
“My mother, Ivy Draper, lived in Carleton Place for 35 years up until her passing in 2022," Roustan said in a statement. "She was a diehard Sens fan whose favorite player was her 'Alfie' (Daniel Alfredsson), and she enjoyed the attention she received from Cyril Leeder when she would go to a game.
"She taught me everything I know about giving back to the community so all the thanks and credit must go to mom. This is my way to thank the Melnyk family for allowing me to participate in the sale process in 2023."
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