‘Fantastic job’ — Windsor-Essex Hockey For Hospice raises over $530K

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Nearly 2,000 youth hockey players helped raised over $530,000 for end-of-life care in Windsor and Essex County, organizers of the annual Hockey For Hospice tournament announced Sunday.
Celebrating the annual fundraiser’s 28th year over the weekend, 112 teams of kids aged four to 14 played more than 200 games over three days, all raising money for The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.
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Tournament co-chair Paul Pietraszko told the Star on Monday that $534,984 was raised this year, marking the second-highest total in the event’s history. Last year, the event raised a record-breaking $587,780.
“It’s a great achievement considering we had 12 less teams this year,” Pietraszko said. “(The tournament) is a big deal for them because a lot of the kids don’t get to play in rinks other than their home rink.
“The kids did a fantastic job.”
Hockey For Hospice was originally created as a skate-a-thon by founder Tim Beaulieu, but has since grown to a full tournament. This year’s edition, which spread across four different arenas from Dec. 27 to 29, included more than 200 games played.
It featured U7, U8, U8 MD, U9, and wU9 Jamboree, as well as U11, U13, and U15 boys divisions, and U11, U13, and U15 girls divisions.
“These young players amaze us each and every year, and their talents on the ice are surpassed only by their work ethic and generosity off the ice,” said Katharen Bortolin, executive director of the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.
“The tournament’s success is a testament to the unwavering support from players, coaches, managers, referees, family members, and our community as a whole.
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“I also want to recognized the incredible efforts of the organizing committee, who works tirelessly to put this event on each year. On behalf of everyone at hospice, thank you to everyone who gives so much to support memorable care for our patients and their loved ones.”
The grand total raised over the past 28 years now stands at $5,832,439.
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“Different families have different types of holiday traditions – for our family and friends, Hockey For Hospice has been a 28-year tradition,” said Beaulieu in a statement.
“We are absolutely amazed at what these young players have done in support of our community, year after year, and we look forward to our next tournament.”
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