Sudbury — As NEO Kids Foundation gears up for the inaugural virtual Vale presents: NHL vs Sudbury for NEO Kids hockey challenge on Tuesday, June 23, an anonymous donor has announced that every dollar raised at the event will be matched up to $100,000.
Residents can watch the event online this evening at the NEO Kids Foundation YouTube page, and make a donation throughout the livestream.
“We are so grateful for the generous support of our anonymous donor," Anthony Keating, president and chief development officer for the foundations and volunteer groups at HSN, said in a news release. "Now any donations we receive during the Vale presents: NHL vs Sudbury will be doubled. That means the impact of your gift will go that much further.
"Every dollar raised will advance our goal of keeping kids as close to home as often as possible, your donations are helping our youngest and most vulnerable patients in the north.”
The virtual event runs 6-7:30 p.m. The competition will consist of one challenge – how many times can you flip a puck on a hockey stick in 30 seconds.
"NHL fans can virtually join their favourite NHL Players, our NEO Kids and some local celebrities in a head-to-head hockey skills challenge in support of NEO Kids Foundation," the release said.
NHL players including Nick Foligno, Marcus Foligno, Tyler Bertuzzi, Seth Jones, Cam Atkinson, Boone Jenner and Zach Werenski will challenge local celebrities such as Sherri K from the Morning Hot Tub (HOT 93.5), Ryan Pawlowski, host of You Know What I'm saying Tricks, Paul Pedersen, chief of Greater Sudbury Police, Gilbert Lamarche, head of mines technical services for Vale’s North Atlantic operations, and a few NEO Kids.
"Although we can’t be together in person this year for NHL vs Docs, we are so excited to be able to participate in a virtual event to raise important funds for pediatric care in our community,” said Nick Foligno, honourary chair of NEO Kids Foundation and captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets. "We are looking forward to a great turnout and having an incredible time while staying safe at home with our sticks and pucks."
“I would like to thank all involved in this wonderful event and all our NEO Kids supporters who continue to want to make a difference in our community," Foligno continued. "I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to my teammates, who decided to support a cause that is near and dear to my heart.”
“Vale is proud to sponsor this new online event for NEO Kids,” said Dino Otranto, chief operating officer for Vale’s North Atlantic operations.
“It’s going to be a fun way to raise funds for medical services for kids in our community. I encourage everyone to log on and check out the challenge in support of this great community cause.”
You can make a donation to our NEO Kids here.
