Stories

‘Tis the season to Skate the Dream

The Foundation’s ability to connect local needs with national resources means kids will be on the ice this winter at Eastwood Arena.

Skate the Dream is a local program that helps remove barriers preventing Hamilton children from learning to skate and to play hockey.  This season, the program will be fully funded by a grant from the Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund at The Calgary Foundation, which supports amateur ice hockey across the country.

An entrepreneur and philanthropist, “Doc” Seaman is famous for bringing the NHL’s Flames to Calgary.  He made headlines again this year when his estate made a $117-million donation to The Calgary Foundation — the third-largest gift ever to a Canadian charity.

HCF learned about the availability of nation-wide hockey grants through its community foundation network and linked the two.  “HCF has previously supported Skate the Dream but the need for this type of program is great and more funding is always required,” says President & CEO Terry Cooke.  “Making the connection to Calgary represents funding which may not have otherwise come into Hamilton.”