|
August 11, 2009
NR.117
VANCOUVER, B.C. – Nicklas, 14, and his dad, former NHLer Todd Harkins, are looking forward to a sold-out
General Motors Place for the 2009 Hockey Canada Cup at the end of August, featuring the top four women’s
hockey teams in the world. They’re hoping for a great crowd to cheer on Canada’s National Women’s Team and
for great ticket sales because a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the BC Children’s Hospital
Foundation (BCCHF), an organization that has been important to their family.
When he was five years old, Nicklas was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, MPS-1, requiring treatments
at BC Children’s Hospital. Thanks to a partnership with the 2009 Hockey Canada Cup, taking place August 31 to
September 6, and Save-On-Foods, 35 per cent of ticket sales purchased with a special promotion code, will be
given to the BCCHF.
“We are so grateful for the treatments Nicklas receives at Children's, and for all the amazing doctors and
nurses who have become like family to us,” said Kirsten, Nicklas’ mother. “It is hard to imagine being in a
situation where you need the services of Children’s Hospital, but it is a valuable resource for everyone.
It’s important for all of us in B.C. to have a great team of medical professionals here for our kids.”
Canada’s national women’s hockey players centralized in Calgary last week and are now preparing for their
first international competition leading into the 2009-10 season, the 2009 Hockey Canada Cup. The 26
centralized players will compete for one of 21 spots on the final Olympic roster.
“We’re looking forward to competing in Vancouver and getting a feel for what the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
will be like,” says Hayley Wickenheiser, a three-time Olympian with Canada’s National Women’s Team. “The
program being sponsored by Save-On-Foods is a tremendous way to give back to the community. As a mother, I’m
proud to be a part of a program that helps out children.”
Save-On-Foods, the newest partner with the 2009 Hockey Canada Cup, is proud to be supporting the event in
this unique way.
“The partnership is a great way for us to support the 2009 Hockey Canada Cup women’s tournament and, at the
same time, generate support for a cause that’s very important to our team members and customers in the
communities we serve,” says Mike Olson, vice-president of operations at Save-On-Foods. “It’s truly a win-win
for everyone.”
The money donated will not only help Nicklas, but the more than 70,000 kids who rely on the services at BC
Children’s Hospital every year.
Canada’s National Women’s Team will be joined by the United States, Sweden and Finland, competing over five
days. The four teams will play one game each day, with semifinals on Saturday, September 5 and the gold medal
game scheduled for Sunday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET. The gold medal game will be shown live
on TSN/RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcasters.
Tickets for the 2009 Hockey Canada Cup start at $10 and will be available through Ticketmaster, at ticketmaster.ca, 1-800-970-SEAT, or any Ticketmaster outlet.
Fans can also take advantage of a full-tournament package – which consists of tickets to all 10 games – for
$120. Fans can enter Promotion code SOFHO to ensure donations go to BCCHF when purchasing tickets.
For more information on Canada’s National Women’s Team and the 2009 Hockey Canada Cup, visit
www.hockeycanada.ca.
About BC Children’s Hospital
BC Children’s Hospital is the province’s only full-service acute care hospital and serves the one million
children living in British Columbia and the Yukon. All children who are seriously ill or injured are referred
to Children’s Hospital and are either treated at the hospital facility in Vancouver or, with consultation
from Children’s specialists, in their home community. Last year, more than 72,000 children were treated at
Children’s Hospital. BC Children’s Hospital Foundation received donations from 120,000 people last year and
had consolidated revenues of over $61.1 million. Funds raised by the foundation are used to support BC
Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children and the Child & Family Research Institute.
About Child Health BC
Child Health BC is a network of health authorities and health care providers dedicated to excellence in the
care of infants, children and youth in British Columbia. In January 2007, the Overwaitea Food Group became
the lead benefactor for Child Health BC with a $20-million pledge of support to the BC Children’s Hospital
Foundation. The Foundation is continuing to raise funds to support Child Health BC, ensuring all B.C.
children have access to a consistent standard of pediatric care no matter where in the province they
live. |
