HCIA Helps Launch Coach4Food in Dufferin and Caledon

Posted by Sylvia Cheuy on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 · Leave a Comment

What Is Coach4Food?

Coach4Food is a program created in 2005 by Tom Hedican, a professional goalie coach from North Bay who was inspired by his music idol Bruce Springsteen. The program is simple: minor hockey teams raise food and funds for area food banks in exchange for the opportunity to win a special European/NHL-style skill practice for their team led by the Brampton Battalion, former NHL player or other guest coach.

Why Coach4Food in Caledon and Dufferin?

Our region has felt the impact of the economic downturn. Poverty does exist throughout our communities but is often hidden. An estimated 1,610 men, women and children now receive food support from the Orangeville, Shelburne and Grand Valley Food Banks and Caledon Community Services each month. Fortunately, our region also has a long tradition of “helping our neighbours.” and it is in this spirit that the Caledon and Dufferin area Minor Hockey Associations have endorsed Coach4Food. We and our players want to help eliminate poverty in our communities.

What Do Area Food Banks Need Most?

Our area food banks need a varied assortment of non-perishable food and personal items including:

Canned fruit & vegetables
Cereal
Canned meat (tuna, salmon)
Pasta & Pasta Sauce
Fruit Juice
Kids lunch items
Soap and dish soap
Peanut Butter
Personal Hygiene items
Laundry Detergent
Toothpaste
Money (for fresh produce)

(please check expiry dates to make sure donations are not outdated)

What Do Teams Win?

In recognition for their efforts, each of the top 5 teams in both Caledon AND Dufferin will have the chance to be rewarded in the following ways:

Both the Dufferin-area and the Caledon team that collects the most donations by weight or cash ($1 = 1.5lbs of food) will receive:
- Recognition in an on-ice ceremony before a Brampton Battalion Game (Caledon: January 20^th, 2013) and (Dufferin-area: January 27^th, 2013)
- Box Seats for 10 with an additional 10 tickets in the spectator bowl at their respective game
- An opportunity to meet the Battalion players after the game
- A one-hour practice session on the Battalion rink following the game, with instruction from the Battalion coaching staff; two-time Team Canada world junior head coach Stan Butler; assistants former OHL/NHL players Ryan Oulahen, a 2003 draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings, and Jason Ward, the Montreal Canadiens’ first-round choice in 1997
Both the Caledon and the Dufferin-area teams, that come in 2^nd place team will receive a one-hour practice at Teen Ranch led by Mark Osborne, former member of the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Caledon and Dufferin-area teams that come in 3^rd and 4^th place will each receive a one-hour practice at Teen Ranch led by Luciano Borsoto, former NHL player with the Winnipeg Jets.
The Caledon and Dufferin-area team that comes in 5^thPlace will also receive a one-hour practice with an NHL or former NHL player that has yet to be determined.

All Teams Win!

Beyond these special practices for the “top five” teams, all teams participating in the Coach4Food program also benefit from a number of other “wins” for their team. These include:

Free Tickets! – Every participating team will be awarded 20 free tickets to an upcoming Brampton Battalion Hockey Game
A Lesson in Leadership & Volunteerism – Coach4Food offers our players an incredible opportunity to demonstrate leadership off the ice and a chance to learn and experience the importance of community service & volunteerism
A Chance to Build Community Awareness – Coach4Food will help to raise community awareness about the often-hidden issue of poverty in our communities by linking it to our well-recognized love of hockey
An Opportunity to Help Our Neighbours – The food collected by Coach4Food Caledon and Coach4Food Dufferin will be used to help the estimated 1,610 men, women and children who rely on food support from our area Food Programs every month.
A Novel Team-Building Experience – By working together to collect donations and also possibly being involved in sorting them at the local food bank, teams have a chance to celebrate team spirit and experience the joys of team work in a unique way.