CALGARY, Alta. – In an effort to create more opportunities for Canadians to participate in hockey, Lace ‘Em Up has joined forces with the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund starting this season. Lace ‘Em Up’s founder, Susan Anderson, has committed $1 million in funding to the Assist Fund over the next five years through the Cannonball Sport & Education Fund.

The Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund was launched in 2020 to provide hockey registration fee support for young Canadians who may not have been able to return to the game they love due to financial challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Cannonball Sport & Education Fund and the Hockey Canada Foundation understand what hockey can do to support the physical and mental health of youth,” said Susan Anderson, CEO of Cannonball Capital and founder of the Cannonball Sport & Education Fund. “We believe that all youth deserve equal access to participation in the sport they love. We know first-hand the power of an assist in sport, and we’re proud to come on board as a partner of the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund and be able to provide support to even more youth across the nation.” 

The Cannonball Sport & Education Fund understands the importance helping young boys and girls participate in sport, as 100 per cent of the donation will go toward registration fee subsidies to approved applicants. Over the next five years, Cannonball Sport & Education Fund’s assist will help Canadian kids get involved or stay in the game.

“Despite the many restrictions across the nation and limited opportunities for children to get active over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund was still able to help thousands of young players return to the ice last season,” said Tom Renney, chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “The ongoing commitment of partners like Cannonball Sport & Education Fund ensures we can continue to support what we know to be a necessity in the Canadian youth sport community.”

The Cannonball Sport & Education Fund and Hockey Canada Foundation understand the role hockey plays in teaching important life lessons and instilling the values that make Canadians truly unique. Together, they are dedicated to investing in the future of Canada, and of hockey. 

For more information about the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund, or to apply, visit HockeyCanada.ca/AssistFund.

About the Cannonball Sport & Education Fund:

The Cannonball Sport & Education Foundation (the “Foundation”) was incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and is a registered charity under the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Foundation provides gifts to qualified donees, focusing on providing access to financially disadvantaged persons in the areas of education, music and sport participation. Please contact Liam Gallacher at [email protected] for any information relating to this press release.