The Sudbury Wolves and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies are facing off for charity once again this year.
Last September was the first time the pre-season game between the Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League teams was played at the McIntyre Arena. For the second annual action the Huskies are returning to Timmins as the Memorial Cup champions.
The Sept. 13 game is being hosted by the United Way Centraide North East Ontario (UWCNEO) in support of youth mental health.
UWCNEO Cochrane and Temiskaming district manager Jennifer Gorman said last year's event raised more than $15,000.
"Last year we sold out, we’re hoping to do the same. The more tickets we can sell to the game, the more people we can have here to attend the various fundraising events we’ll have that night, the more dollars we can raise to put back into the community for youth and mental health,” she said.
Once again, most of the cash raised through the game is for the Youth Wellness Hub.
According to the United Way, only one in five children needing mental health services receive them.
“A lot of times the services aren’t available, they’re afraid to speak up, they don’t know where they need to go — that’s why we partnered here with the Timmins youth hub," said Gorman, explaining money will go back to the hub and the agencies it partners with.
"If they’re housing a youth hub at Science Timmins or at the YMCA we’re going to sponsor those agencies to be able to hold it, to be able to bring the kids in and have someone to talk to."
Raising awareness through initiatives like the hockey game is important, which is why Bell Let's Talk is pleased to support it, said Sandy McDonald, Bell's regional director of community affairs, in a news release.
"One of the biggest hurdles for anyone suffering from mental illness is overcoming the stignma that prevents so many from getting the treatment they need," said Sandy McDonald, Bell's regional director of community affairs, in a news release.
Tickets for the game will available at TimminsRock.com starting tomorrow (July 10)
