Justin's Dream
Hockey is something that has been in my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, I would spend countless hours in the spring, summer, fall and winter playing ball hockey in the driveway with my brother, our friends, and anyone who was willing to stand between the pipes. It was fun and exhilarating and I never regretted a minute while playing it.
As time has passed and I have grow older, I have come to miss the sport I played for so many hours in my youth. So I decided to act. My original concept of Hockey for Horizons was meant to be nothing more than a simple game of ball hockey with friends, one in which a donation of any kind could be made in order to play hockey for the day. All donations would then be given to a local charity, one with close proximity to our neighborhoods and surrounding city.
Upon sharing this idea with friends, family, co-workers, and strangers, the idea began to snowball. The event grew from 2 teams, to 4 teams, to 8 teams, and finally, to 12 teams. As the idea gained momentum, I began to wonder why this should be limited to just a ball hockey tournament? Why shouldn’t we make an event of it and have food, music, and prizes as well? With the help of a few very enthusiastic and uniquely-skilled individuals, this then became a reality.
Keith Clarke joined the team, representing Horizons for Youth, a local youth shelter that provides at-risk youth with guidance, shelter, food, and a hope to leave the streets behind. Youval Zilberberg also joined with a commitment to making a website where people could read and follow the event as it progressed. Sian and Courtney Hughes also played (an continue to play) a very large role as each is responsible for coordinating volunteers and collecting prizes respectively. The list of individuals willing to help and take part in the event grew and grew and eventually, we created the 1st Annual Hockey for Horizons Ball Hockey Tournament at Trinity-Bellwoods Park in downtown Toronto. The event ended up raising approximately $10,600 and everyone had a fantastic time participating in the event.
Moving forward, it is my dream that this event will grow in size, gain valuable coverage and exposure in the media, and continue to draw on the enthusiasm and excitement of its participants. I was fortunate enough to always have a roof over my head, food in my stomach, and love and support from my parents. Together, if we can raise enough that we can provide food, shelter, love and support for someone else, then our efforts will not have been in vain.
