I’m pleased to announce a new partnership with RBC Play Hockey. The RBC Play hockey program is one that I believe in as it supports hockey at the grassroots level!
According to a recent survey of Canadian hockey households, an overwhelming number of Canadians involved in hockey (82 per cent) believe that corporate Canada needs to do more to support hockey at the grassroots level, while fewer than half of respondents (46 per cent) felt their local hockey league is sufficiently funded. The average Canadian hockey family spends approx. $1,500 a year on hockey-related expenses and more than one third of survey respondents (36 per cent) believe increasing fees is the single greatest barrier to participation.
RBC is answering the call through RBC Play Hockey – a wide-ranging, multi-year commitment to support hockey at the grassroots level. Over the past year, RBC has awarded more than $1 million to 87 deserving hockey programs across North America such as learn to skate, ball hockey, equipment sharing, and hockey clinic initiatives. Several of the programs RBC has funded have also focused on reducing registration costs and improving access to ice. And for 2012, RBC will be expanding their commitment even further. In addition to funding for grant recipients, RBC will offer one year of free financial advice by RBC Financial Advisors to help local organizations better manage their hockey programs.
RBC Play Hockey allows RBC to shine the spotlight on the people and programs that help hockey happen. Grant applications will be accepted, starting December 26, 2011, and will remain open until May 30, 2012. Encourage your friends, neighbours, and local hockey volunteers to submit an application as well.
For more information about RBC Play Hockey or to submit a grant application, visit rbcplayhockey.com.
Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing more information with you about RBC Play Hockey. Get your grant application in today!
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