York Region residents will skate, shoot and score at the Magna Centre in Newmarket to raise money for the United Way Nov. 25.
Charity hockey organization Scoring Goals for the Community will be running its annual benefit hockey game as a fundraiser for United Way Greater Toronto. Team TD Bank will square off against Team Lexmark for the game.
Event co-ordinator Sam Daskalopoulos said it is exciting to organize the game.
“We’re trying to play a big role within our communities,” he said. “We always appreciate when members of the community come out and support the event.”
The charitable group has run since 2017, with Daskalopoulous of Lexmark Canada organizing games throughout York Region to raise money for different causes. It has raised $76,300 to date, going to United Way and other charitable organizations in the region.
The organization hopes to reach a $100,000 total raised soon.
“It’s been a pretty amazing feeling,” Daskalopoulos said of the funds raised. “Unfortunately, COVID really slowed down the momentum. On average, our events were raising more prior to COVID …. I think that has a lot to do with the impact COVID had on people financially.”
The organization holds other charity hockey games for different causes and did so in Stouffville and Markham this year. Games are planned to occur again in those communities in 2024, Daskalopoulos said.
Scoring Goals for the Community is also introducing a new mascot, Ollie to its games. The mascot was named based on submissions from children in York Region this year.
“It’s something I wanted for years,” he said, adding the organization was able to fund the mascot through sponsorship.
The game will also feature a silent auction, a kids zone and a puck drop with local dignitaries, including Newmarket Mayor John Taylor.
“It’s a fun event. I always say it’s decent hockey, but most importantly, we’re raising money for a great cause,” Daskalopoulos said. “The more people we have in the stands, the more fun it is for everybody.”
The event will occur Nov. 25 at the Magna Centre, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $5. You can also pledge donations at scoringgoalsforthecommunity.com.
