NHL legends will again be lacing up and taking the ice at the Eddie Bush for the third-annual Collingwood Celebrity Hockey Classic.
And though spectators will get to see Wendel Clark, Shayne Corson, Andre Roy, Mike Krushelnyski, Rick Vaive, Brad May and Dave Ellett smack some pucks on Collingwood ice, the event is for a few lesser-known people with similar powers to inspire.
The Classic, which runs Nov. 28 and 29 is a fundraiser for Easter Seals Ontario, which helps kids with physical disabilities get the adaptive equipment they need to live their lives. The charity also operates two summer camps that are fully accessible for kids with physical disabilities and mobility equipment.
"It's about independence, dignity and freedom, and that's what our equipment does," explained Charlene Myke of Easter Seals Ontario Central Region. "Whether it's a wheelchair because kids can't get off the floor and they can't go to school without one, or a commode so they have dignity going to the washroom without somebody helping them. It's any equipment that children need for mobility."
The summer camps are significant, says Myke, because it's giving kids with physical disabilities the chance to experience traditional summer camp things.
"They can try anything from swimming to high ropes to sledge hockey to archery because there's somebody there to help them," said Myke. "So for some of our kids, going to camp is the greatest experience."
The charity keeps a list of kids who want to go to camp, and Myke says the staff and volunteers do all they can to make that happen.
Part of what makes it possible is fundraisers like the Collingwood Celebrity Hockey Classic.
The goal for the Collingwood event is to raise $150,000. Last year brought in $138,000.
"It's about what we do with the funds, it's about changing lives, and it's about empowering kids with physical disabilities to be who they can be," said Myke.
The event is held in other Ontario locations as well, and it's in Collingwood thanks to major sponsorship from Century 21 Millennium.
Myke also acknowledges the support of Dave Steele, co-owner of the Collingwood Junior A Blues team. She's chosen Steele as the first recipient of the new Spirit of Giving award for Collingwood, which is presented to someone who goes above and beyond for Easter Seals and their community.
She said Steele has been helping with the Celebrity Hockey Classic event since it came to Collingwood, and has been a good sponsor.
The games will begin at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29 at Eddie Bush Arena and they are free to attend. Each celebrity player will be backed by a local team that has raised at least $500, per player to participate in the event. New this year, there will be an all-star game featuring the top fundraisers for the event.
On Thursday, Nov. 28, there will be a VIP draft party with the participants and hockey celebrities and a VIP meet and greet for sponsors and donors.
There will also be a Celebrity Gala Dinner on Thursday evening for $2,100 per table of eight.
For more information about the event, visit the Hockey Classic website here.
