TORONTO, April 15, 2020—A 14-day livestreaming virtual hockey marathon, Hockey2Help, begins today to benefit the COVID-19 relief efforts of Second Harvest (Canada) and Volunteers of America. Both organizations are working tirelessly in delivering essential services to seniors and the most vulnerable in communities across Canada and the U.S.
Players include National Hockey League athletes J.T. Brown, Alex DeBrincat, Jordan Greenway, Zach Hyman, Mitch Marner, Sonny Milano, Alex Tuch, Zach Werenski, Mika Zibanejad and many more. The unique fundraising initiative is supported by GameStop and EB Games Canada. Virtual hockey provides an opportunity to bring top NHL players and gamers together for action-packed hockey while social distancing and raising funds for a good cause.
Nasher, the leading NHL gamer/influencer; OnTheBench; and TopShelfCookie (winner of the NHL’s 2019 World Gaming Championship will also be playing in Hockey2Help.
The program begins at 1 p.m. EDT, April 15 live on Twitch.tv/Nasher with a marquee match-up between Nasher and Marner vs. OnTheBench. Throughout the 14-day campaign, Hockey2Help will feature gamers hosting streaming marathons as well as a 3-on-3 double elimination tournament. The general public is encouraged to participate by tuning into Twitch.tv/Nasher and Hockey2Help.net throughout the competitions to drive donations. Viewers that donate will have the opportunity to win prizes, hockey experiences, memorabilia and more through gracious partners GameStop and EB Games Canada, Bauer Hockey, EA NHL 20 and Gretzky Hockey School.
“During these unprecedented times, games have a unique power to bring friends and family together,” said Frank Hamlin, chief customer officer for GameStop, one of the supporters of Hockey2Help. “Gaming for good is in our DNA and we’re proud to support this initiative for the charities involved, for hockey fans who can at least see their favorite players play virtually, and for the broader gaming community,” Hamlin added.
Ricky Hildebrand, digital marking manager at Bauer said, “Bauer is proud to support an initiative that will allow people to come together and enjoy hockey in a safe way during these difficult time, while raising funds for two charities and an important cause.”
Xtream Solutions and Up North Management Group have developed, created and implemented the Hockey2Help interactive fundraising website on DonorDrive, a leading fundraising platform.
In addition to GameStop, EB Games Canada, Bauer Hockey and Gretzky Hockey School, partners include EA NHL 20, LucidSound and many others.
For more information, visit hockey2help.net. Instagram and Twitter: @hockey2help.
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About Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, those recovering from addictions and many others. Through hundreds of human service programs, including housing and health care, Volunteers of America helps more than 1.5 million people in over 400 communities. Our work touches the mind, body, heart and ultimately the spirit of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. Learn more at www.voa.org.
