The donation went to kids at two great local programs: Their Opportunity and Tim Hortons Camps.
Graeme Roustan, the publisher of The Hockey News, has enjoyed a lifelong love affair with the sport of hockey. Now, he's hoping to ignite a similar passion for the game among Ottawa's youth who may not have the means to participate otherwise.
As the owner of Canada's only hockey stick factory, which is located in Brantford Ontario, Roustan recently donated 1000 hockey sticks to the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation.
The foundation distributed the sticks to happy future hockey stars at Their Opportunity, a national children’s charity that delivers and subsidizes local sport for development and community engagement programming. These programs and services help eliminate barriers to access and promote a lifestyle of giving back to the community.
The sticks also went to Tim Hortons camps, supporting youth aged 12-16 and providing outdoor education, development programming, activities, and mentorship.
Roustan grew up playing on local rinks himself and understands the profound impact that access to sports can have on a child's development.
“My mother, Ivy Draper, lived in Carleton Place for thirty-five years up until her passing in 2022," Roustain said. "She was a die-hard Sens fan whose favourite player was her Alfie, 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."
The Senators Community Foundation issued this statement:
"We are appreciative of this gift, which supports our mission of helping youth from underserved communities achieve their full potential. The Senators Community Foundation, through partnership, wants 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.
"By working in partnership with organizations like Tim Hortons and Their Opportunity, we know that they can develop the resilience, strength, social and emotional skills they need to thrive in their lives.
"Wellness through sport and activity is an important element of the Sens Community Foundation, and that is why we are so pleased with this gift."