On March 4, North Toronto announced a strategic partnership with Hockey Equality. The partnership will support North Toronto’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Hockey Equality was founded in 2021 by retired National Hockey League player and Greater Toronto Hockey League alumnus Anthony Stewart. The organization works to create sustainable programming across North America designed to meet the needs of BIPOC, female, and disadvantaged youth.

The partnership was made possible through the North Toronto Breakaway Fund. The Fund provided the opportunity for North Toronto to commit to a three-year partnership with Hockey Equality in which North Toronto will donate $10,000 in 2023, and a portion of the Fund in 2024 and 2025. These contributions will go towards helping Hockey Equality design mentorship, development, and educational programs, as well as lowering financial barriers for equity deserving youth.

The partnership will involve educating North Toronto coaches, advocating and counselling for impacted families, helping advise the club in areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as having North Toronto Hockey Association members adopt the Hockey Equality Accountability Project Pledge. In addition to financial support, North Toronto will also work to provide additional resources to help support Hockey Equality’s initiatives.

For more information on the North Toronto Breakaway Fund, visit: https://nthockey.ca/the-nt-breakaway-fund/.

For more information on Hockey Equality, visit: https://www.hockeyequality.org.