On February 22, the Under-14 ‘A’ Toronto East Enders Ticats participated in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising event for the third consecutive year.

The Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly two or five kilometre fundraising walk-in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Together, with thousands across the country, the players walked in support and service for families in need in the community. The team raised just over $2,000 for the Red Door Shelter, a local charity that supports women, children, and refugees fleeing violence. Since 1982, the Red Door Family Shelter has provided emergency shelter and support for women and children affected by domestic abuse, families experiencing a housing crisis, and refugee claimants. The contributions of the Ticats helped the shelter surpass its fundraising goal of over $100,000.

“As a team, we not only strive to be successful on the ice, but we also focus on developing our players off the ice as positive contributors in the community,” said Dan Panko, head coach of the U14 ‘A’ Ticats. “This is the third year that our East Enders team has participated in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk and it has become a meaningful way for us to support our community while teaching the players the value of service, compassion, and teamwork beyond the rink. We are proud of our players for enthusiastically raising funds and participating in this important walk to support local charities and we hope to keep this tradition going in the years ahead.”

The Ticats spirit was alive as the players and their families walked for five kilometres through the slush and snow of the streets of Toronto. The team learned firsthand how the money raised will be used to create stability and safety for families in their community. The East Enders were thrilled to help make this the most successful Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser yet.

To learn more about the Coldest Night of the Year, click here.

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