We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Smilezone Foundation through our season-long 50/50 Program and annual Charity Game. Together, we are helping bring joy to children undergoing medical treatment in hospitals and clinics across Canada.
Smilezone Foundation is dedicated to brightening difficult days by creating vibrant, engaging “Smilezones” in healthcare settings. These uplifting spaces found in waiting rooms, treatment areas, playrooms, and patient spaces designed to bring comfort and positivity to children and their families.
Their newest project is located at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Charlton Campus in the Pediatric Clinic, supporting children and families in need of mental health resources by providing a welcoming and supportive environment.
Since 2023, more than 430 Smilezones have been created across Canada, positively impacting over 330,000 children and families. We are proud to support this meaningful work and continue making a difference in communities nationwide.
Each year, the Toronto Rock host their annual exhibition games at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in support of local charities. Rather than charging admission, fans are encouraged to contribute to fundraising efforts at each game.
In the lead-up to the 2025-26 season, proceeds supported Halton Women’s Place, Halton Food for Thought, and the Oakville Firefighters Toy Drive.
The Toronto Rock proudly host Indigenous Heritage Night, an annual celebration of lacrosse’s Indigenous roots and a tribute to Indigenous culture and traditions.
Proceeds from the evening support the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund and its initiatives, including the Legacy Schools Program, which empowers students and educators to engage in reconciliation through awareness, education, and action.
Players wear custom-designed jerseys by Mohawk artist Kory Parkin, which are later auctioned alongside game-worn shorts to raise funds for the cause.
Rock City was joined by Kina Gegoo Powwow dancers and Strong Water Singers who performed traditional dance and songs before the traditional wooden stick ball halftime game played by Haudenosaunee lacrosse players. Members from RBC’s Indigenous Development Program were present, as well as grade 4-8 students who recited The Great Lacrosse Game story. Before the faceoff, Justin Martin and Ottawa Black Bears Larson Sundown took part in a smudging ceremony led by Knowledge Keeper Mark Sault.
The Toronto Rock have proudly participated in a variety of incredible community events so far this year, from charity walks to large-scale celebrations. Highlights include the MacKids Walk & Wheel supporting McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Hazel McCallion Walk for Health raising funds for local healthcare, Hamilton’s Canada Day festivities at Bayfront Park, and the vibrant Supercrawl festival. We also joined Hamilton’s Police in the Park, connecting with more than 700 students alongside local law enforcement and community partners, and proudly supported the Smilezone Foundation through the 2025 Hockey Helping Kids event. At every event, our team enjoyed meeting fans, cheering on participants, and sharing our passion for lacrosse while celebrating the strength of our communities.
The Toronto Rock’s School Program is hosted at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville, Ontario which provides an excitement and rich history of lacrosse to students. The program is led by Tyler Hendrycks, former Toronto Rock player, and current NLL player. The program combines hands-on lacrosse instructions with lessons on the sport’s deep Indigenous roots and it’s role in Canadian culture.
The Toronto Rock Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program is a fully customizable, immersive experience at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville, Ontario. Students can take part in a guided facility tour which includes the Toronto Rock office, team dressing room, The Quarry Elite Strength Training gym, and the Toronto Rock Sports Medicine & Wellness Centre. Included is an engaging panel discussion featuring Toronto Rock front office staff. Participants can also take part in a case study focused on their SHSM sector, providing valuable real-world insight and experience.