Oakville, ON – Throughout the 2015 NLL season, the Toronto Rock and their fans came together to raise $27,148 through various avenues for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
On February 20th, the Rock hosted their annual charity game on Superhero Night and raised the bulk of the funds this year on that evening.
The main source of funds generated this season once again came from the live on-floor Game-Worn Jersey auction. The Superhero themed jerseys proved to be very popular. This year’s auction raised just shy of $20,000, which was the highest total since the switch to a live auction a few years ago. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment also donated $1 for every single-game ticket that was purchased for the February 20th game. Fans were also able to make a cash donation at Air Canada Centre in the TeamShop.
“It was great, everyone was so agreeable and helpful, right down to the cheerleaders wearing our toques at the charity game,” said Heather Black-Bunting Sr. Area Manager, Community Programs Toronto Office of the working relationship with the Toronto Rock.
“With our fundraising, all the money goes into our mission work and any of our research,” said Black-Bunting. “It also goes into education programs as a part of our mandate to help create healthy Canadians. It involves a lot of info sessions and creates the opportunity to share knowledge. The money raised really has a direct impact on Canadian lives.”
Toronto Rock forward Kevin Ross was on hand for the official cheque presentation and remarked about how fitting this year’s charity partner was for the Rock with late General Manager Terry Sanderson passing away before the 2015 season as a result of the effects of a heart attack.
“The Heart and Stroke Foundation is a very appropriate charity,” Ross said. “The memory of Terry was first and foremost on everyone’s mind this season, with the guys and everyone with the Rock. Being a part of the fundraising efforts for the Heart and Stroke foundation and helping in any way we can just seems very appropriate this season.”
Additionally this year, a portion of the proceeds from the Alumni Night online Game-Worn Jersey auction, were also earmarked for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Each year the Toronto Rock chooses a charity to support and raise funds through different initiatives. Since 2010, the Toronto Rock and their fans have raised over $200,000 for various charities.
