Happy New Year Humber Valley!
I hope that this note finds you well and safe as we enter 2021. When hockey ended last March none of us anticipated such a long hiatus from the game we love. However, as we enter the back half of what would have been the 2020-21 season, we continue to look forward to the day that it’s safe to get our players and teams back on the ice.
Current State of Minor Hockey in Toronto
The GTHL will permit teams and organizations to return to on-ice activities once the region in which each organization operates enters the Ontario Government’s Orange “Restrict” level in its Covid-19 response framework. Given where we stand today, this may still be some time away for Humber Valley.
While this is disappointing, nothing is certain and I want to reinforce that we will continue to look at all options to get players back on the ice as soon as it is safe to do so. All families are reminded that full refunds for fees paid for the 2020-21 season may be requested at any time by contacting admin@humbervalleyhockey.com. For those who choose to wait it out, we will continue to update you on the status of return-to-play and possible opportunities to get your players on the ice when it is possible.
2020: A Year For Giving Back
2020 reinforced that this organization is about more than hockey – it’s about having a positive impact on our players, families, volunteers and our community at large. The importance of giving back was highlighted on so many occasions, and as an organization we came together and gave back in 2020, more than any other year.
Last year, Humber Valley and our incredible members, donated more than $40,000 to Covid-19 relief efforts and Daily Bread Food Bank (DBFB).
- At the onset of the pandemic, our teams, families and volunteers rallied to assist those in need in our community. Together, we donated over $30,000 to initiatives directly impacting struggling families, individuals and front-line health care workers.
- In the month of December, our East vs. West Face-off for Daily Bread Food Bank saw us challenge the North Toronto Hockey Association (NT) and their members to raise food donations and funds for DBFB. Our Humber Valley members donated food and food hampers as well as over $11,000 to this initiative. Although NT edged us out in total donations (we’ll get them next year!), the real winners are the families and individuals that DBFB serves on a daily basis – those who are struggling now, more than ever. At our next board meeting I will proudly throw on a North Toronto jersey as it represents a shared community vision and cooperation and unity between our clubs.
Looking Ahead
We have big things planned for 2021, starting with getting our players back on the ice in a safe and considered manner. We’ve heard from so many of you this year on ways to improve our on and off ice activities, and we will be implementing a number of exciting changes that you will hear about soon, starting with an announcement sharing our Strategic Plan in the coming weeks.
Finally, I want to once again say a big thank you Humber Valley. Despite the obvious challenges, we accomplished a lot in 2020 and none of it would have been possible without your support. I am so proud to be part of this community and I wish you all good health, happiness and hockey in 2021!
Steve Allmen
President, Humber Valley Hockey Association
sallmen@humbervalleyhockey.com
A LOOK BACK AT 2020
Humber Valley donates $15,000 to the Daily Bread Food Bank at the onset of the pandemic to assist with the significant increase in demand.
Sharks A & AA teams donate $5,000 toward the purchase of pre-packaged meals for front line health care workers. This initiative also supported local restaurants with large meal orders.
Through the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation Joint Centers Partnership, Humber Valley A & AA teams donate $5,000 for the purchase of much needed PPE for staff at Toronto hospitals.
Humber Valley players, teams and families donate food and food hampers to local fire halls to support the great need in our community over the holiday season.
Humber Valley members donate over $11,000 to the Daily Bread Food Bank to assist in meeting the demand over the holiday season.
Thank you Humber Valley! None of this is possible without you!
