Their Opportunity, a national children’s charity, delivers & subsidizes local sport for development & community engagement programming. Their programs & services help eliminate barriers of access & promote a lifestyle of giving back, empowering youth to reach their full potential. The Indigenous Hockey Equipment Drive started in the winter of 2014 and 5 years later joined forces with Their Opportunity.
The Indigenous Hockey Equipment Drive, founded by Graham McWaters, aims to eliminate barriers to sports participation in Indigenous communities across Canada. Guided by the belief that every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of hockey, the drive collects and distributes gently used and new hockey equipment to Indigenous youth. Through partnerships with local hockey associations, community organizations, and local businesses the drive ensures that thousands of children receive the necessary gear to participate safely in the sport, promoting inclusion, teamwork, and physical activity.
Under the leadership of Graham McWaters, the Indigenous Hockey Equipment Drive has grown significantly, reflecting the increasing generosity of individuals and organizations. Inspired by the first hockey drive in 2014, the hockey drive has grown to the point where over 1,000 bags of hockey equipment are accumulated and donated each fall to numerous Indigenous communities in Ontario and remote areas of Canada.
