March 28, 2012
Luke Schenn: March's Community MVP
By: Jason Schwabe
The March Citizen Leafs Community MVP is Luke Schenn. For the fourth consecutive season, Luke purchased a pair of seats to continue the "Luke’s Troops" program. Over the past four seasons through this program, Luke and the Leafs have had the honour and privilege of hosting almost 200 Canadian Forces soldiers at our games. This past summer, to thank Luke, the Canadian Forces invited him to Afghanistan and he was honored to attend. Luke spent a week learning the ins and outs of the Canadian Forces efforts in Afghanistan and came away more thankful than ever.
Also, this past Sunday, Luke participated in the Player’s Gala benefitting the MLSE Team Up Foundation. The event raised over 330 thousand dollars towards giving kids a place to play in the City of Toronto.
Luke is also an ambassador for Easter Seals which provides programs and services to children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario.
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March 23, 2012
March Break Leafs Clinics
By: Greg Schell
During March Break, the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Development staff partnered with Hockey Canada to provide free clinics to over 120 boys and girls at the Leafs official practice facility, MasterCard Centre for Hockey Excellence.
The first clinic held on Monday March 12th, was designed to work on speed, team and compete aspects of the game. The quick pace and hard work pushed the young athletes to their maximum potential. Each group enjoyed 2 hours of individual skill development exercises that strengthen their on-ice skill sets.
The second clinic took place on Wednesday March 14th and the participants were treated to a very special and unique opportunity. Toronto Maple Leafs Skating Coach Graeme Townshend joined the Hockey Development staff on the ice for a skating and skills building session. Graeme introduced the minor hockey stars to a series of skating techniques normally reserved for the professionals of the National Hockey League. Edges, balance and posture were the focus of Graeme's drills. Graeme emphasized the value of hard work, dedication and focus as the keys to pursuing the ultimate dream of playing in the NHL.
For more information regarding Leafs Hockey Development programs for kids, please visit www.leafshockeyschool.com or add your name to the Leafs youth hockey development First to Know email program.
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February 29, 2012
Continuing The Fight Against Hunger
By: Melanie Gerin-Lajoie
Following a ride-along with Second Harvest in January to deliver food to local agencies, last week saw MLSE participate in a variety of Second Harvest initiatives in continued support of hunger relief efforts in Toronto.
On February 16th over 60 MLSE employees donated their time at TTC stations and Air Canada Centre to help with donation collections for Second Harvest’s annual Lunch Money Day fundraiser. Over the course of only 5 hours MLSE employees were able to collect enough money to provide 12,000 meals to Toronto’s hungry.
Meanwhile, the Real Sports Bar & Grill (RSBG) culinary team, Carlton the Bear, The Raptor and Jerome "JYD" Williams set up shop in the RSBG food tent at the Second Harvest Dundas Square Luncheon to help raise funds and bring awareness to the important cause of hunger relief.
On Thursday February 22nd MLSE played host to their first Second Harvest Awareness Night, providing a large-scale platform to celebrate this important community partnership. The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the Bartley’s Burger matching program whereby one meat patty and bun was donated for every Bartley’s Burger purchased at concession. An incredible 440 burgers and buns will be donated as a result!
Since the start of the partnership in 2006, MLSE has contributed to delivering over 100,000 meals to those in need in the Toronto community through Second Harvest. For more information on how you can help fight hunger visit www.secondharvest.ca.
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February 27, 2012
Matthew Lombardi: February's Community MVP
By: Jason Schwabe
The February Citizen Toronto Maple Leafs MVP is Matthew Lombardi. Matthew has been an advocate of community leadership since his arrival in Toronto this past off-season. His work has included purchasing a 42 person gondola for a Leafs game for the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario. Matthew is also a keen supporter of the Toronto Police, as just last week, he attended an event for Merry Go Round Children’s Charity- a police mentorship organization that focuses on providing access to computers for disadvantaged youth.
David DeFrietas, Director of Community & Sports Partnerships, presented Matthew with his award.
Congratulations Matthew, and thank you for your commitment to our community.
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February 24, 2012
Burke & the Leafs Rally for Kids, Cops & Computers
By: Jason Schwabe
This past Wednesday, the Leafs showed their support for the Merry-Go-Round Children’s Foundation by attending the 8th Annual Celebrity Sports Mixer at the Hockey Hall of Fame. This is the third year the Leafs have attended the annual fundraiser for the Kids, Cops & Computers program, an initiative aimed at supporting financially disadvantaged students in Toronto.
Brian Burke, Matt Lombardi, and Darryl Boyce were just a few of the big names who spent the evening mingling and answering questions for event hosts Melissa Grelo of CP24 and Paul Hendrick of Leafs TV.
Special guests also included Leafs alumni Darcy Tucker and Rick Vaive, veteran sports newscaster Brian Williams, Toronto Chief of Police Bill Blair and Deputy Chief of Police Peter Sloly. This event amplifies the deeply rooted relationship between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Police Services.
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February 16, 2012
Lady Leafs Valentine's Day Visit To SickKids
By: Jason Schwabe
Yesterday with the help of Pastry Chef Wally Aruda & Executive Sous Chef Paul Thomas, the Lady Leafs took part in their second visit to SickKids Hospital this year, spreading some Valentine’s Day cheer with some of the kids.
April Reimer, Brittany Perlman (Kessel), Jeanne DePartout (Connolly), Emelie Witt (Monster), Kate VanAlystne (Grabovski), Jenny Niesluchowski (Scrivens), Erin McClain (Gysbers) & Daniela Wegscheider (Holzer) spent the afternoon decorating Valentine’s Day cookies and handing out stuff Carlton Bears to some huge Leafs fans.
 
The Lady Leafs have participated in a variety of charitable initiatives this season including the Team Up Foundaiton’s Have a Heart Dinner, Movember & their Holiday Visit to SickKids. They are a key cog and support system in the charitable wheel of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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February 14, 2012
CBC Hockey Day in Canada
By: Greg Schell
For the 9th straight year, former Leafs captain Wendel Clark joined in on the hockey celebration during Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada. This year Wendel, along with MLSE’s world class hockey development staff and their sports partnership team, travelled to Canada’s smallest and greenest province, Prince Edward Island.
"To see what Hockey Day in Canada was during our first trip to Nunavut in 2003 and to look at where we are now is fantastic. This type of exposure and support for our game is so valuable." says Clark.
 
For four days MLSE’s staff travelled across the island bringing the sport and spirit of hockey to different communities by managing and operating four school visits and 21 on-ice clinics for CBC and Scotiabank. This year’s community visits featured hockey greats like Cassie Campbell, P.J. Stock, Brian Trottier, Gerrard Gallant, Gordie Dwyer, Bruce Rainnie, Boomer Gallant, Tim Taylor, Mark Napier, Lanny MacDonald, Stephan Richer and Leafs TV own Tessa Bonhomme.
Hockey Day in Canada - One National Obsession
Click here for your two minute Hockey Day in Canada video recap
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January 30, 2012
A Dream Come True
By: Jason Schwabe
Last week, 17 year old Jacob Crowe, equipment manager of the Midland Junior B team spent the day shadowing Leafs Equipment Manager Brian Papineau and his staff. It was a dream come true for Jacob as he’s been a huge Leafs fan for a number of years.
 
Pappy spent the morning showing Jacob the ropes of a big-league dressing room. Jacob learned some tricks of the trade of how to sharpen skates properly and how to keep a dressing room spotless and clean. Pappy even presented Jacob with a stick of his favorite player of all time, Tie Domi. Jacob then met his current favorite Leafs player, James Reimer. Thanks to Pappy and his team, all in all, it was a once-in a lifetime chance for Jacob and a day he won’t soon forget.
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January 23, 2012
MLSE Teams Up With Second Harvest
By: Jason Schwabe
Toronto Maple Leafs Hall of Famer Mike Gartner and Raptors Alum Muggsy Bogues were on hand at Air Canada Centre to help staff from Second Harvest load a truck full of excess food Saturday morning. The event formally kicked off a partnership between Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and Second Harvest aimed at increasing awareness of Second Harvest’s work among Leafs, Raptors, Toronto FC and Marlies fans.
"We are thrilled to formally announce our partnership with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment! The organization has a long history of donating their excess food to Second Harvest. Our recipient agencies, who serve hungry men, women and children in Toronto, are incredibly grateful for the food that they have received in the past and will continue to receive thanks to this wonderful partnership," said Jo-Anne Sobie, executive director, Second Harvest.
Gartner and Bogues rode with the Second Harvest truck and helped make deliveries to PARC (Parkdale Activity and Recreation Centre) and Eva’s Phoenix. Following the Eva’s Phoenix delivery, Bogues was joined by members of the Raptors basketball development team and put on a mini basketball clinic for local youth.
MLSE donates all perishable food items following each of the more than 250 hundred events at Air Canada Centre every year. The partnership will also see MLSE employees and some special guests volunteer their time to collect donations for Second Harvest’s Lunch Money Day at King and Queen subway stations on February 16. MLSE culinary staff, along with guest personalities, will also host a Food and Beverage station at the Yonge-Dundas Square lunch event.
"This community partnership is a natural fit. As one of the busiest arenas in the world we are in a position to make an ongoing contribution to Second Harvest’s cause," said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer, MLSE. "By using all of our teams and media platforms to promote Second Harvest’s incredible work, we really hope we can bring their message to an even wider audience."
In addition to the regular food collection following Leafs and Raptors games and live events at Air Canada Centre, the Raptors will host a Second Harvest Awareness Night on February 22 when they play host to the Detroit Pistons. Second Harvest messaging will also be featured prominently across all of MLSE’s broadcast platforms during the Leafs and Raptors seasons.
About Second Harvest
Second Harvest is the largest food rescue program in Canada. Since 1985, Second Harvest has been picking up donated, excess food, which would have otherwise gone to waste and delivering that food to community agencies in Toronto. Every day Second Harvest delivers enough food to provide 18,000 meals to over 200 community agencies in Toronto. Recognized for efficiency and impact of services, independent research group Charity Intelligence Canada has named Second Harvest a Recommended Charity for the past three years.
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January 20, 2012
Leafs Give Back
By: Jason Schwabe
This has been an especially generous year for the Toronto Maple Leafs Players in terms of purchasing Leafs tickets for charitable use. For the first time in Leafs history we have 100% team participation in this program. 2,300+ kids (vs. 1,010 kids in F’11) and 135+ troops from over 20 different charities will have a chance to watch a Toronto Maple Leafs game this season thanks our players.
 
A full summary of all charities our players have supported is below. Also please check out the pictures of Matt Lombardi, John-Michael Liles and Colby Armstrong visiting their particular charities post-game.
Dion Phaneuf
Brian Burke
Tim Connolly
Phil Kessel
John-Michael Liles
Luke Schenn
Colby Armstrong
Joffrey Lupul
Clarke MacArthur
Mike Komisarek
Matthew Lombardi
Mikhail Grabovski
James Reimer
Nikolai Kulemin
Jonas Gustavsson
Carl Gunnarsson
Colton Orr
Tyler Bozak
Mike Brown
Philippe Dupuis
Cody Franson
Jay Rosehill
David Steckel
Joey Crabb
Matt Frattin
Jake Gardiner |
Sick Kids Hospital
Various charities
Childhood Cancer Canada
Camp Trillium
Canadian Safe School Network
Canadian Forces
Special Olympics Canada
Boys & Girls Clubs Canada
Big Brothers & Big Sisters
Camp Oochigeas
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario
Variety Village
Yonge Street Mission
Variety Village
Yonge Street Mission
Big Brothers & Big Sisters
Angel Foundation
Angel Foundation
Angel Foundation
Big Brothers & Big Sisters
Big Brothers & Big Sisters
Starlight Children’s Foundation
Starlight Children’s Foundation
Starlight Children’s Foundation
Starlight Children’s Foundation
Starlight Children’s Foundation |
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December 15, 2011
Operation HOHOHO 2011
By: Jason Schwabe
Yesterday afternoon, John-Michael Liles, Jake Gardiner, Luke Schenn and Tom Anselmi participated in Operation HOHOHO, an initiative the Canadian Military has spearheaded for the past eight years. This was the third year in a row the Leafs have participated.
 
A quick briefing on Operation HOHOHO:
"Team HOHOHO" boarded a Toronto Police Unit Hyke Patrol Boat at Toronto Police Marine Headquarters and made way to Toronto Island Airport. Upon arrival at the island, the group rendezvoused with Captain Geoff Mackenzie and other soldiers from the 400 Helicopter Squadron out of CFB Borden who (in lieu of a sled) were flying in three Canadian Military Griffon helicopters.
The group took off from the island and proceeded to land on the roof of Sick Kids Hospital. Upon arrival, our team met up with Canadian Forces Soldiers, members of the Toronto Police Marine Unit and Mayor Rob Ford to distribute stuffed Carlton bears, toques, autographed pictures and other gifts to approximately one hundred kids in attendance. The event was broadcasted live to the three hundred rooms at Sick Kids for the patients who were unable to attend.
This initiative received outstanding media coverage and amplified the deeply rooted relationship between the Toronto Maple Leafs, The Canadian Forces, Toronto Police, and the Hospital for Sick Children.
For the third year in a row- Operation HOHOHO: Mission Accomplished.
Click here for more photos.
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December 12, 2011
Ajay: The First Liles' Bud
By: Jason Schwabe
Recently, the subject of bullying in Elementary schools has been a serious issue in Ontario. The Liles’ Buds Program was created by Toronto Maple Leafs player John-Michael Liles to inspire and recognize kids, grades one through eight, who perform acts of kindness and give back to their community through anti-bullying or other acts.
The first person to be recognized by the Liles’ Buds Program is 8 year old Ajay Prasad, a student at Kindree Public School in Mississauga. Ajay is a special young man who has not only overcome his own challenges, but has worked hard at doing all he can to help others. Aside from being an excellent student and an ambassador of kindness within his school, Ajay is involved in various fundraising and awareness initiatives. Ajay has helped raise over $2,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation and is a leader in educating his classmates and community in the importance of environmental awareness.
 
As a gesture of his gratitude to Ajay, John-Michael invited Ajay and his family down to Air Canada Centre for an autograph session, tour of the Leaf’s dressing room and a firsthand look at Leaf’s practice. To cap it all off, Ajay was rewarded with 4 tickets to watch his favorite team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, play the New Jersey Devils.
Congratulations Ajay, on being one of Liles’ Buds!
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December 1, 2011
MLSE Is Teaming Up With The Salvation Army
By: Jeff Carter
This holiday season, (MLSE) is Teaming Up with the Salvation Army to help generate awareness around their mission, and how every day people like you and me can get involved and help. On Thursday, November 24th, I attended the annual Salvation Army Leadership Breakfast at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
The key note speaker during the breakfast was former Canadian Lieutenant-General Romeo Dallaire. I’m sure most of you know who this is, but for those of you that don’t, it is arguable that Romeo Dallaire is best known for leading the ill-fated UN peacekeeping mission during the Rwandan genocide in the mid 1990’s. During the breakfast, Romeo Dallaire spoke about the increasing importance placed on organizations like the Salvation Army, and specifically about leadership and the ability of organizations to proactively align their organizational values, with the individual values of the leaders of tomorrow. In a nutshell, an organization’s ability to exercise vision. Vision as it relates to where the world is going, who the leaders of tomorrow are going to be, and what their values are going to reflect.
 
This resonated with me because as an organization, we have a corporate social responsibility mission to change lives through sports. From our charitable arm, the MLSE Team Up Foundation and what we’re doing to build our communities, to the hospital visits our players make, the partnerships we’ve developed and continue to develop with organizations like the Salvation Army.… More and more, social responsibility is a philosophy that is becoming engrained within the fabric of everything we do. In my opinion, this is what’s going to continue to attract the leaders of tomorrow to MLSE.
 
Through our MLSE Teaming Up banner, we’re working towards this via our partnership with the Salvation Army by donating our time and resources to this ever important organization and their cause. Last night, MLSE helped the Salvation Army launch their annual kettle bell campaign. The Salvation Army kettle bell ringers collected money from fans entering the game, and raised just under $1,500 through two hours of collection. Toronto Maple Leafs Captain, Dion Phaneuf and Boston Bruins Captain, Zdeno Chara both made donations to the Salvation Army before the game as well. Great examples of how partnership can help affect positive impact in our community.
I’m proud to be an employee at company who is ahead of the curve in many ways, including social responsibility. Being a Leader in the Community is one of our values and we are all proud to do so.
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November 23, 2011
Raptors Coaches Go "Back To School"
By: Melanie Gerin-Lajoie
This month, the Raptors coaching staff, in partnership with the MLSE Community and Sports Partnerships team, took to the road visiting schools and community centres across the GTA to help local youth improve their game. Head coach Dwane Casey and assistant coaches Johnny Davis, Tom Sterner, Scott Roth, Eric Hughes and Micah Nori shared insightful tips while helping break down basketball fundamentals through Learn to Dribble – a new Raptors grassroots program launched for the 2011-12 season.
 
Addressing assemblies of students eager to hear from their new coaches, Casey and his team inspired by tackling not only important topics on the basketball court, but in life as well. Students also got a first-hand look at what it takes to practice like a Raptors player, as coaches put students’ skills to the test in stations focusing on passing, ball handling, shooting, rebounding and defense.
For more information on Raptors Basketball Development programming, click here
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November 22, 2011
Latest Leafs Clinics
By: Greg Schell
Luke Schenn and Leafs Skating Coach Graeme Townshend recently joined a group of lucky young hockey stars on the ice at Air Canada Centre for the first of four Leafs player clinics this season. Greg Schell and his hockey development staff conducted a series of training exercises both on and off the ice designed at developing minor hockey at the grassroots level.
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November 17, 2011
Leafs Annual SickKids Hospital Visit
By: Jason Schwabe
The Toronto Maple Leafs recently made their annual visit to SickKids Hospital. This is a long-standing tradition that has taken place since as early as 1927. Players and the coaching staff spent the afternoon visiting and distributing gifts to over 350 kids and their families. It wasn’t only the kids that were impacted as many players were touched deeply by the visit.
Some of the more memorable community events of the summer included: the Islamic Foundation Carnival, Tim Horton’s Camp Day, CHIN Picnic, the Annual Securitas Canada Cure for Cancer Ball Hockey Challenge, Ignition Sports Camp, the Jennifer-Ashleigh Foundation Country BBQ, Hockey Night in Barrie, Oshawa, and Stouffville as well as Pilaros Taste of the Danforth (an event that attracted more than 1 million people). The Big Save, Leafs Hockey School and Sports Day in the Square were also on this summer’s itinerary, drawing thousands of fans who got the chance to support a cause, learn about our team and get the full VIP Leafs dressing room experience.
Thanks to the many volunteers from the marketing department who gave an afternoon to help out including Rebecca Davies, Jeff Carter, Lindsay Carter, Ashley Boland, Caroline Wright, Adam Arscott, Andrew Myszkowski and Nikki Zezza.
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November 16, 2011
The Leafs Mobile Fan Zone Summer Tour in Review
By: Greg Schell
This summer has been jam-packed with tons of community events and exciting new developments for the Leafs Mobile Fan Zone! May kicked off with the launch of the new website (leafsmobilefanzone.com) that has made the LMFZ and its resources considerably more convenient to access – featuring a virtual tour, media photo gallery, and an events calendar, giving visitors the opportunity to see what the fan zone is all about and where it will be headed next.
Some of the more memorable community events of the summer included: the Islamic Foundation Carnival, Tim Horton’s Camp Day, CHIN Picnic, the Annual Securitas Canada Cure for Cancer Ball Hockey Challenge, Ignition Sports Camp, the Jennifer-Ashleigh Foundation Country BBQ, Hockey Night in Barrie, Oshawa, and Stouffville as well as Pilaros Taste of the Danforth (an event that attracted more than 1 million people). The Big Save, Leafs Hockey School and Sports Day in the Square were also on this summer’s itinerary, drawing thousands of fans who got the chance to support a cause, learn about our team and get the full VIP Leafs dressing room experience.
The LMFZ is meant to support a wide variety of charitable initiatives, garner support for the team and disseminate information about our development programs into the community.
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November 10, 2011
MLSE Teams Up With Ontario's Ministry of Health
By: Jason Schwabe
MLSE is Teaming Up+ with Ontario’s Ministry of Health to raise awareness for flu shots and flu inoculation season. To promote this important initiative, this past Thursday afternoon at Air Canada Centre, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Deb Matthews was at ACC to receive her flu shot along with MLSE President & CEO Richard Peddie, Raptors President & GM Bryan Colangelo, Maple Leafs President & GM Brian Burke and Raptors Exec. VP of Basketball Operations Ed Stefanski.
In addition to this group, a number of full time MLSE staff also received their shots. MLSE will host a large flu shot clinic for all full time staff at ACC this coming Monday, November 14th.
"Influenza is a serious, acute respiratory illness that is caused by a virus. People of any age can get influenza. I encourage everyone to continue taking personal precautions to prevent the spread of flu in their home, at work and in the community." Said Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
The flu shot is a safe and effective way to stay healthy. Anyone six months of age and older who lives, works or attends school in Ontario can get the flu shot free of charge. The vaccine is available through doctors’ offices, workplace and community-based flu clinics and at some pharmacy locations. The vaccine can prevent the flu in about 70 to 90 per cent of healthy children and adults. An Ontario study showed that, every year, flu vaccination eliminates the need for over 200,000 visits to doctor’s offices and 30,000 visits to hospital emergency departments. Despite many myths, it is impossible to get the flu from the flu shot.
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November 2, 2011
Introducing The Raptors Mobile Fan Zone
By: Greg Schell
New for the 2011-2012 season the Toronto Raptors will be trading the hardwood for asphalt with the launch of the new Raptors Mobile Fan Zone! A state of the art design and first of its kind in the NBA the Raptors MFZ will allow visitors to experience the atmosphere and excitement found only inside the Raptor’s locker room. Inside the MFZ basketball fans will be treated to an exclusive look at six replica Raptor locker room stalls as well as four flat screens playing your favorite Raptor’s highlights from the past. In an effort to connect with the community, the MFZ will be travelling across Toronto, the GTA and beyond to various community and charitable events. You can book the Raptors Mobile Fan Zone for your event at raptorsmobilefanzone.com on November 2, 2011.
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November 1, 2011
October's Leafs Community MVP
By: Jason Schwabe
The October 2011 Toronto Maple Leafs community MVP is John-Michael Liles. As soon as he arrived in Toronto, "JML" demonstrated a passion for community involvement. Over the past month, he has participated in various initiatives, including delivering season tickets to some long serving season seat holders. JML also purchased 10 nights in the new community suite for kids from various charities including cardiac kids and Canadian safe school network. On top of this, he has established "Liles Buds", a program that rewards kids for performing an uncommon act of kindness towards another student who is being bullied at school..
Congratulations John-Michael and thank you for your commitment to our community.
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October 17, 2011
Bonding In Trenton
By: Jason Schwabe
This past week during a break in the schedule, the Toronto Maple Leafs spent three days in Trenton meeting some of our Canadian Forces while doing some general team bonding. The team practiced three days at the RCAF Flyers Arena in front of a packed house, where thousands waited patiently to get a glimpse of their heroes.
The team also participate in a variety of military-themed activities including a fight aboard a C-17 Transport, taking shots at a firing range and watching a variety of firefighting and rescue demonstrations.
"I think it’s great that we’re here with the military on the base. It’s going to be a lot of fun to hang out with some of the guys and to talk with them. We’re looking forward to spending time with the guys who have made great sacrifices for our country" said Captain Dion Phaneuf.
There is a lot of hockey history in Trenton. The walls of the RCAF Flyers Arena at CFB Trenton have pictures of the 1948 air force team that won the Olympic gold medal that year at St. Moritz, France. CFB Trenton’s hockey team plays other bases and regional commands across Canada and are the defending national champions in the senior men’s and oldtimers division.
 
All in all, it was a great three day trip that amplified the deeply rooted relationship between the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and the Canadian Forces.
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September 27, 2011
Reflecting On Grassroots Hockey
By: Greg Schell
Reflecting back on grassroots hockey, Maple Leaf defenseman John-Michael Liles takes a minute out of training camp to admire a collection of tickets commemorating some of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s greatest players. Hall of Famers such as Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr and Doug Gilmour all started their careers as a part of the OMHA. The OMHA has been a leader in grassroots hockey development for 75 years.
New Leaf John-Michael Liles takes some time to admire a collection of tickets honouring graduates of the OMHA
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September 12, 2011
Special Delivery
By: Jason Schwabe
On September 7th, four lucky Maple Leafs season seat holders were given an absolute treat as Maple Leafs players Colby Armstrong and John-Michael Liles each made two deliveries of Leafs season tickets. We promised the season seat holders a ‘special delivery’ of their tickets, but were blown away when our players showed up at their doors. One of the highlights was a delivery to a loyal pair of fans who have been season seat holders since 1937. Below is an article which captures the day.
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September 09, 2011
Raptors Alumni Stepping Up This Summer
By: Kristina Flynn
With change comes opportunity and this summer, our Community & Sport Partnerships group at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment saw some pretty incredible Raptors alumni step up to stand in for current players and represent the team throughout the GTA.
We saw the inclusion of not only MLSE staff Alvin "Boogie" Williams and Jerome "JYD" Williams, but also former Raptors point guard Muggsy Bogues in a number of our community programs. All three attended our week-long Raptors Basketball Academy in July helping campers aged 8-17 with their basketball fundamentals and sharing words of wisdom about the importance of Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Attitude and Motivation (D.R.E.A.M). While not Alumni, a special thanks also goes to team equipment manager and travel coordinator Kevin DiPietro and assistant video coordinator Jon Goodwillie, who also stepped up with an incredible "behind the scenes" presentation to all campers.
Three weeks later, Muggsy joined us once again -- attracting attention from old and new Bogues fans alike at MLSQ Sports Day. Running one of three youth skills clinics, kids had the chance to work with Muggsy to learn how to dribble, find their perfect shooting spot and practice their blocking.
Other special appearances included an NBA Fit Clinic with Alvin in Newmarket and an outdoor shooting/ball handling session with Muggsy at the 11th annual Antibes Multicultural Festival in North York.
Thanks to our fantastic alumni, our presence in the Toronto community was far from "Raptor-less" this summer.
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August 23, 2011
Another Great Session Of Summer Hoops
By: Melanie Gerin-Lajoie
With thanks going out to our host, Humber College, the Raptors Basketball Academy recently concluded another great session of summer hoops! The Raptors Basketball Development team brought enthusiasm and energy like never before, evidently rubbing off on campers and their parents as one thrilled mother pointed out "the energy on the first day during registration was contagious and I knew that we (parents and kids alike) were in for a treat."
The week was highlighted with guest appearances by Jay Triano, assistant coach Micah Nori, Raptors Alumni Jerome Williams, Alvin Williams & Muggsy Bogues, and the voice of the Raptors - Jack Armstrong, who broke down some fundamental basics with campers on-court, and shared life experiences and encouraging words off-court. With new additions to off-court programming including presentations by Canada Basketball and our very own Raptors Team Operations personnel, campers were exposed to all facets of the game, shedding light on exciting opportunities that exist outside of purely being an athlete.
Raptors Basketball Academy strives to teach kids not only how to become better basketball players, but also better people; and with a continuing emphasis on our D.R.E.A.M motto (Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Attitude, Motivation) we were able to do just that while at the same time giving our campers a positive experience that they hopefully will remember for years to come.
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August 15, 2011
Kicking It Off With Toronto FC
By: Bridgette Estrela
The Team Up Foundation was able to support the Sorauren Park Community and the over 400 youth that use this field from May- October. We leveled the pitch, laid new top soil and 4502 sq meters of Kentucky blue grass, installed two spectator benches for parents and two covered team benches for the youth, repaired the goal posts, installed hooks for the nets and purchased new nets. We also crane delivered a concrete storage container for the Sorauren Park Association, who was consistently losing equipment to mold with the previous metal shed. We invested over $50,000 into this community pitch and hope the pitch will be embraced and enjoyed by the community for many years to come.
Monday, August 8th saw the culmination of many dedicated individuals and groups as Team Up Foundation, Toronto FC, KIA and the City of Toronto came together to celebrate the amazing turnaround of this pitch. This event was not only a celebration of the refurbishment, but it also kicked off TFC// TWELVE, which is 12 straight days of fans, TFC players, coaches, front office staff and Academy getting involved with community initiatives. We had a full team appearance by the first team, which marked the first community appearance of the full ‘new-look’ Toronto FC squad. 40 youth from the Sorauren Park Association got to show off their skills for TFC players, while kids from a local camp practiced their moves at the Play Soccer activations. The day showcased the Team Up Foundation’s commitment to developing community fields and young players as well as Toronto FC’s commitment to grassroots soccer and community programs. We would wish our friends at TFC the best of luck as the make their way around the community for 12 days.
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August 10, 2011
"The Monster" Supports Cardiac Kids
By: Jason Schwabe
Last week, Maple Leafs Goalie Jonas Gustavsson played in the annual "Cardiac Kids" Golf Tournament. "The Monster" has been a Cardiac Kids ambassador for the past two seasons and has a special affinity for the cause which raises much-needed funds for children who are suffering from congenital heart disease.
The little boy Jonas is pictured with is Arjun Nijjar, Arjun is a patient of SickKids and has had multiple lifesaving surgeries to repair his heart, the first at less than 1 week old. On Sunday, Arjun’s parents and some of their friends ran the tournament to support Cardiac Kids, and the tournament raised over $25,000
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August 3, 2011
Latest Visit To Afghanistan
By: Jason Schwabe
Over the Canada Day weekend, a group of actors, athletes, television stars and other personalities boarded a plane for Afghanistan with the mission of sharing some Canadian pride with our Canadian Forces. Two of our own, Leafs President and GM Brian Burke and Defenseman Luke Schenn were part of that group.
Brian and Luke were part of a number of initiatives in Afghanistan including serving up a taste of home at the Tim Horton’s in Kandahar, learning about various military equipment and weaponry and even taking part in a game of ball hockey.
Said Luke Schenn of the experience: "The troops serving our country are the real heroes. The sacrifice they make for our freedom is absolutely amazing. Brian and I really wanted to show our support and truly thank them for their incredible work. It’s the least we could do."
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a strong, deeply rooted relationship with the Canadian Forces that dates back as far as 1927 when Conn Smythe became principal owner of the team.
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July 14, 2011
Summer Schoolin'
By: Jason Schwabe
It was another great two weeks for Greg Schell and his World-Class Hockey Development team at the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey School presented by Rogers. The two weeks were absolutely action packed with on-ice sessions, tours of Air Canada Centre and MasterCard Centre, sessions from Toronto Fire, the Toronto Raptors and much more.
The list of Leafs, Leaf Alumni, and management who attended was incredible. Brian Burke, Brad May, Johnny Bower, Darryl Sittler, Wendel Clark, Clarke MacArthur, Jonas Gustavsson, Luca Caputi, Phil Kessel, Tyler Biggs, Tyler Brenner and Stuart Percy all stopped by at some point over the two weeks to either lead an on-ice session with the kids or to say hi and sign a few autographs.
The day-school aims to provide boys and girls, novice to peewee, the opportunity to develop all areas of their game including; skating, puck handling, passing, shooting and off-ice strength and conditioning – a comprehensive, total hockey experience in a fun and educational environment.
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June 29, 2011
Ballin’ on Bleecker Re-energizes St. James Town
By: Bridgette Estrela
On Saturday, June 25th, following the amazing refurbishment of the outdoor court in St. James Town, the MLSE Team Up Foundation held its very first 3on3 basketball tournament. Engaging 16 teams of local youth from the community, two age divisions of kids competed on the new court. The basketball court, which is used as a gathering space for the community became a spirited spot once again for residents. A free BBQ lunch was provided for the community and the 194 Crew (DJ Wristpect, DJ Mattice and Sir Lancelot) kept the crowd energized with their mixing skills. Give-aways, basketball skills and drills for the little ones, and shoot-out competitions kept the crowd excited all day. .
This celebration event was held in support of our role in the Recipe for Community, a partnership initiative that includes the Toronto Community Foundation, City of Toronto and Toronto Community Housing. Recipe for Community is a program featuring resident-inspired projects to strengthen the community's sense of opportunity, belonging and pride, and to build community skills and capacity. The basketball court refurbishment was a welcome addition to the community, and will provide a place where physical activity can be celebrated by residents of all ages for years to come.
We asked the local kids what the new basketball court meant to them. Some of their responses:
I like this basketball court because it looks professional.
To me, the court means, completion, friendship and strengths.
For more information on the event, click here.
To check out the photos of the court refurbishment, click here.
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June 8, 2011
Burnhamthorpe Community Centre Rink Refurbishment
By: Bridgette Estrela
The summer heat was in full force on Tuesday, May 31st as 15 volunteers sweated it out painting, cutting, drilling and sanding at the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre rink refurbishment. Marlies staff, who had been at the Mississauga rink back in March for the Team Up Foundation celebration event to announce the donation of $25,000 , which included an Open Practice with the Toronto Marlies, were welcomed back to the community centre, along with RONA employees, to fix up an outdoor dressing room and add shelving to the skate storage room. This rink is home to Mississauga’s "Got Skates" program, which provides lessons,loaner skates and helmets to local youth to learn to skate. As the program and amount of skates grew, it was evident that more shelving was needed. With help from RONA we were able to continue the shelving around the room, allowing for the program to grow, which would give more youth access to skating.
Outside we had a group of dedicated (and sweaty) volunteers testing out the new Marlies blue paint color on the walls, specially matched by our partners at RONA.
Throughout the day, we had lots of visitors from the community stop by to say thanks to the volunteers. Councillor Chris Fonseca dropped off 2 books filled with thank you letters from the local youth who use the rink. She explained to us that the rink is a legacy in terms of the sheer amount of youth that use the facility. We also had two local youth come by to help us hang the legacy sign,recognizing our commitment to community building through sport.
Thanks again to our volunteers! And stay tuned for our next build.
To see more photos of the day check out our facebook page or, to read about the day, check out this recent Mississauga news article.
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June 1, 2011
Tim Brent At SickKids
By: Jason Schwabe
We may be in the off-season for hockey, but there is no off-season for Leafs Nation. Tim Brent recently stopped by Sick Kids to brighten the faces of a few huge Leafs fans. Here’s Tim with an absolutely HUGE Leafs fan, Eric. Eric and Tim spent about half an hour playing video games (which Eric won), playing mini stick hockey and talking about the NHL playoffs.
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April 25, 2011
Team Up Foundation Builds Up to One4One
By: Alicia Erz
On March 28, the MLSE Team Up Foundation capped off 2 weeks of community building activities with the inaugural One4One presented by Rogers. The fundraising event was the first time in history that NHL, NBA, MLS and AHL teams came together under one roof to support a cause. After all was said and done, the month of March looked like this for the Team Up Foundation:
- Held 5 Free March Break Public Skates
- Celebrated our 25th refurbishment with the announcement of a $250,000 investment in Angela James arena
- Celebrated the investment of $120,000 to refurbish Variety Village’s centre court
- Announced $25,000 donation to refurbish the outdoor rink at Burnhamthorpe Community Centre
- Announced $50,000 donation to refurbish Sorauren Park pitch
- Raised $280,000 at the inaugural One4One event
Thank you to everyone for helping us to make an impact by changing lives through the spirit and the powers of sports.
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April 19, 2011
20 Minute Toronto Makeover
By: Jason Schwabe
This past Friday, approximately 200 MLSE employees took part in the 20 Minute Toronto Makeover for the third consecutive year. The areas around ACC, 307, Ricoh and BMO were given substantial cleanups.
Over at ACC, there was some serious competition taking place with Team Building Ops taking in the prized "Golden Receptacle" with over 12 bags of garbage collected. Team "Dirty Dozen" (Marketing) was awarded best Team Spirit. Most unique item went to ticket sales who collected a very original "first date" garbage package which included 2 Leafs tickets, monopoly money and a dead rose.
The 20 Minute Toronto Makeover is a City of Toronto program aimed at reducing trash around Toronto Neighbourhoods.
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April 12, 2011
Schenn & The Girls
By: Jason Schwabe
Luke Schenn decided to surprise a very lucky girls hockey team who rented out the ice at ACC for an hour. Luke was at the ACC training and decided to strap on the blades and take the girls through the motions of a real NHL practice.
The team did unbelievably well as they ran through authentic drills, special teams play and even a shootout. Luke then stayed to sign autographs and pose for pictures with everyone in attendance, a great time was had by all.
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April 7, 2011
Sledge Hockey Clinic
By: Rebecca Davies
Sledge hockey is a sport that incorporates the same rules and discipline structure as regular ice hockey. The major differences…players sit on specially designed sleds, or ‘sledges’, with skate blades under the seat and use two sticks to pass, stickhandle and shoot, as well as propel and maneuver their sledges around the ice.
On March 31st at MasterCard Centre, our Leafs Hockey Development staff, in partnership with Hockey Canada, hosted their first ever Sledge Hockey Clinic. Twenty participants from across the GTA had the opportunity to learn from one of the best as they took part in an on-ice clinic led by Team Canada Member and Paralympic Gold Medalist Billy Bridges.
In addition to their on-ice experience, participants were given the opportunity to tour the Leafs Dressing Room, take pictures in their favorite Leafs’ stalls and headed home with Billy Bridges autographed photo, puck and jersey.
To learn more about the sport, visit Hockey Canada’s official sledge hockey YouTube page at www.youtube.com/HCSledge
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February 7, 2011
Leafs Annual Skate For Easter Seals
By: Jason Schwabe
On February 6th, the Maple Leafs held their annual skate for Easter Seals kids. It was a great day for all as over 300 great kids took to the ice to skate with their heroes. The Leafs have a great tradition with Easter Seals. The skate has been a tradition with the team with the past 25 years.
Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for nearly 90 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.
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January 13, 2011
Raptors Team Up for a Good Cause
By: Alicia Erz
On January 10th, Raptors players, coaches, management and NBA TV Canada personalities attended the 5th annual Raptors Red Party at Muzik. This event, in support of the MLSE Team Up Foundation, featured DJ Wristpect and MC Sir Lancelot spinning tunes, the Raptors Dance Pak performing and a mentalist entertaining guests throughout the venue. Over 600 guests had the opportunity to mix and mingle with some of their favourite Raptors, including former Raptor player JYD! One of the evening’s highlights – Matt Devlin and Jack Armstrong’s impromptu rendition of "Living on a Prayer."
Matt Devlin, Reggie Evans and the Raptor sported styling red jackets, while guests had the chance to purchase and wear the fashion accessory of the evening – the Hard Hat! The hard hat is symbolic of the work that the Team Up Foundation does refurbishing courts, rinks and pitches. Projects currently in the works this season include the centre court at Variety Village and the outdoor community court in St. James Town. Not only were the hard hats a badge of honour for guests, but they also became a great item to capture signatures from the Raptor players that night.
Thanks to the entire Toronto Raptors team, event sponsors and guests, the Red Party raised an incredible $280,000 in support of the Team Up Foundation!
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December 24, 2010
Leafs Celebrate Rink Refurbishment At Trinity Bellwoods
By: Alicia Erz
It was a picture perfect winter day on December 22nd as the MLSE Team Up Foundation celebrated the first refurbishment of the season by holding the Toronto Maple Leafs Outdoor Practice presented by Rona at Trinity Bellwoods Park. The Team Up Foundation with the support of MLSE’s Corporate Partner RONA invested more than $125,000 in significant upgrades and improvements to the Trinity Bellwoods Park Rink and Field House including: replacing dasherboards, the addition of new doors, windows, storage, matting, benches and landscaping. Employees and Executives from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and RONA contributed 500 volunteer hours towards the refurbishment.
Coach Ron Wilson led the team through their paces in front of hundreds of fans who braved the chilly weather to see the team practice in their community. After the team practiced, some local hockey teams had the opportunity to get out on the ice and go through a skills clinic, run by special guest Wendel Clark and the Leafs Hockey Development team. After that, a group of first time skaters took to the ice to learn the basics of skating from the Leafs Hockey Development team. As one young hockey player said – "This is the best Christmas ever! I got to see the Leafs practice on my local rink and then I got to skate on the ice that they practiced on!"
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December 17, 2010
Operation HOHOHO
By: Jason Schwabe
December 11, in partnership with the Canadian Forces and Sick Kids, the Leafs participated in Operation HOHOHO for the second consecutive year.
Luke Schenn, Tim Brent, Dion Phaneuf and Colton Orr spent over an hour at Sick Kids Hospital reading holiday stories, distributing Leaf Holiday stockings stuffed with Gifts and even participating in signing a rousing rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" with the kids.
This initiative builds upon the deeply rooted relationship between the Canadian Forces, Sick Kids and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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November 26, 2010
Leafs Don Aprons In Support of the Team Up Foundation
By: Alicia Erz
On Tuesday, November 23rd, Toronto Maple Leafs players, coaches and management, along with the Lady Leafs, donned aprons and served up food and drinks to over 300 guests at the Toronto Maple Leafs Have a Heart Dinner presented by AM640 at Brassaii Restaurant and Lounge. The dinner gave fans the opportunity to mix and mingle with the entire Leafs team, all in support of the MLSE Team Up Foundation. .
After Brian Burke thanked guests for their support, the players got down to business, splitting into groups for their evening duties. Whether it was dishing up pasta or poutine, pouring a cranberry juice, passing hors d’oeuvres or selling hard hats, the Leafs used the evening to not only give back to their fans, but help raise money for the team’s Foundation. The hard hats were a unique item, and were a popular fundraising item that evening. Guests wore them proudly as they moved to each of the players on the team to cover the hard hats with autographs. The hard hats are in support of the Team Up Foundation’s legacy program, which refurbishes rinks, courts and pitches. The proceeds from the hard hats sold at the Have a Heart Dinner will go toward the outdoor rink refurbishment at Trinity Bellwoods.
Players not only worked the room as celebrity waiters along with the Lady Leafs, they also supported the silent auction, each donating an item which dinner guests could bid on. Items included an Ipod Touch loaded with Mike Komisarek’s favourite music and movies, a Harley Davidson leather jacket donated by Mike Brown, a David Yurman necklace and a 55" inch 3D tv donated by Dion Phaneuf and Elisha Cuthbert and a chance to be a GM for a day with Brian Burke.
Thanks to the entire Toronto Maple Leafs team, the Lady Leafs, event sponsors and guests, the Have a Heart Dinner raised an amazing $200,000 in support of the MLSE Team Up Foundation!
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November 9, 2010
MLSE Team Up Foundation Supports Camp Trillium
By: Bridgette Estrela
On Saturday, October 30th, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Team Up Foundation supported Camp Trillium as part of the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. This year we switched from supporting Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to pediatric cancers to further support TUF’s mandate to improve the lives of youth through the spirit and power of sports. Camp Trillium provides a camp experience to families who are battling childhood cancer. The camp is a place where children afflicted with cancer can enjoy what many take for granted … fun, friendships, and a respite from hospitals and treatment, but most importantly the chance to be normal. They service a wide range of families from in treatment kids to recently off treatment , to remission and unfortunately bereaved families.
The day started with 25 campers getting a chance to watch the morning skate. We then surprised the group, revealing that the campers would have s special visit with some of the Leafs! Colton Orr, Francois Beauchemin, Luke Schenn and Colby Armstrong (who still was able to sign pictures for the kids with a cast on!), visited with all the kids, taking photos, signing autographs and putting big smiles on the faces of all those in attendance.
For the first time, the Team Up Foundation directly reached out to season seat holders for support on this special evening, and had an overwhelming response of donated tickets which were distributed to the families supported by Camp Trillium. One of the families mentioned to me at the game that, in the 9 years they have been involved with Camp Trillium, they have never had an experience quite like this. Throughout the game, Carlton and his crew handed out bears to campers, who were all wearing their bright green Camp Trillium t-shirts. Our special guest for the evening was Hunter, a 3 year old who is currently on active treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Hunter, with help from his older brother Josh, were spokes-kids for the evening, appearing in an interview with CBC Hockey Night in Canada’s Elliotte Friedman, and doing an in-game interview with Monika on the visitors bench. Hunter loves to play hockey … his mom tells us that hockey is what is getting him through his treatments … so to have the experience that he had on Saturday, we made this little guy’s day!
A special thanks goes out to the Lady Leafs and all of the Camp Trillium volunteers who helped out by selling 50/50 tickets that evening. Their enthusiasm helped us reach our biggest jackpot this season, with $11,000 going to the winner, and $11,000 going to Camp Trillium!
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October 27, 2010
Raptors In Montreal
By: Melanie Gerin-Lajoie
On Friday October 22nd, the Raptors made their way East to take on the New York Knicks in the first NBA match-up in the city of Montreal since 1990. The Community Relations team also made the trip to give the city a small taste of the community outreach initiatives we undertake back here in Toronto.
At morning practice we welcomed a palliative care patient from the Montreal Children's Hospital who got to meet his favorite players up close, while the coaching staffs from both the McGill University and UPEI basketball programs were in attendance for coach mentoring. At the same time, the Raptor himself set out to the Children's Hospital to distribute gifts to the patients in the oncology ward.
In the afternoon, the Basketball Development team hosted 40 local youths at the Bell Centre for a clinic that featured guest appearances by Raptors assistants Eric Hughes and Alvin Williams. The clinic was featured on the local evening news, as well as in-broadcast as part of NBA Cares Week of Service initiatives.
To cap things off, Bryan Colangelo presented a $10,000 cheque at half-time to the Quebec Region Boys & Girls Club to further their basketball development programming in the underprivileged areas in which their local chapters operate.
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October 27, 2010
Once In A Lifetime
By: Melanie Gerin-Lajoie
On October 13th when the Raptors took on the 76ers in the 2010-11 pre-season opener, we welcomed our first Game Ball Delivery participant of the season – Joaquin Mallo.
Below is a note received from his parents, thanking us for providing their son with an experience he will never forget.
Good morning Melanie,
I wanted to take this moment to let you know how grateful & thankful we are for the opportunity & "once in a lifetime" moment you gave our son Joaquin.
As is common with most kids, especially in the young years, moments come & go & the importance & sheer awe of them are lost & not realized until years later. You helped give our son such a moment.
We would often sit at a live game & I would listen to my son wonder how lucky those kids were & if he would ever be able to do something like that, he has always wanted to be on the floor watching a practice from close up, or some one on one interaction with one of his Raptor heroes (thanks to Jarrett Jack’s multiple high fives, he now had it!).
He has always had a love for playing & watching basketball from a younger age & is now reaching that age where more opportunities become available. He attends weekly basketball lessons & attended the Raptor summer camp the first time it became available to him, we attempted to enter him in the clinic (age restrictions) & you gave him much more than we could have ever expected. You did not have to go the extra mile & you did & even though we were content with him going a waiting list, we are ever thankful for the extra mile!
What might seem second nature to you was also very evident & important to us, which is that you also took the time to explain everything that he was seeing & answer his questions.
Joaquin will be a Raptor fan for life (and if it’s up to him, a Raptor himself!), he will continue to attend the Raptor Summer camp (he never had so much fun like he had last year) & when he is of age he will attend the clinics.
Although the sport of basketball is constantly growing in this country & city it is still not where it needs to be, but it is reassuring to know that there is someone like yourself who is playing a big part in the development of youth in the sport & we are comforted in knowing that children like Joaquin will always be given the ability to grow & continue to play the sport they love!
Have a great season!
Thanks
Gonzalo Mallo
Team Manager Alarm Operations
A UTC Fire & Security Company
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October 26, 2010
A Canadian Citizen Ceremony
By: Jason Schwabe
In conjunction with Immigration Canada, 30 new Canadians received their citizenship at a formal ceremony in the Leafs dressing room this morning. Bruce Kidd , as an Order of Canada and the Chair of the MLSE Team Up Foundation , presided over the ceremony with Immigration Canada officials, and Tom Anselmi, MLSE COO formally welcomed them all to Leafs Nation. We do a lot of amazing things as an organization but this really was an inspiring event. This initiative hits on a number of our priorities, is perfectly aligned with our positioning as Canada’s team and is another solid gesture as we continue modifying how we are perceived in the market. The idea was the brainchild of the MLSE Marketing department and executed in conjunction with Hockey Ops staff and our PR team.
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September 8, 2010
G.Ross Lord Community Pitch Refurbishment
By: Breagha Carr-Harris /Bridgette Estrela
Tuesday, August 31 was an exciting day for the Team Up Foundation and TFC as together we celebrated the launch of a newly refurbished soccer pitch at G. Ross Lord Park! This was the Foundation’s first pitch project with TFC. The soccer pitch at G Ross Lord Park was chosen because of the high amount of local soccer groups that use the pitch, as well as the fact that this park is a hub for its community. The parks extensive size gives local residents the opportunity to participate in soccer or cricket, hold family picnics, take a stroll or jog along the trail system or just relax under a tree with a good book.
 
Some of the improvements that were made with the pitch include leveling of the field to ensure safer play, new sod down the center of the pitch, improved spectator benches, new field signage, and the addition of new team benches with Team Up Foundation and TFC branded creative awnings to keep kids cool in the sun and out of the rain. We will also be laying potash in the fall and setting up a maintenance plan with the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation staff to make sure the grass is well rooted for play in the spring.
This day was an amazing success as we had the chance to throw on some of our favorite TFC gear and celebrate with the youth that use the pitch. With an impressive arrival and great introduction of the team after the "opening kick" by Mayor David Miller, kids got the chance to practice some soccer skills and run through some drills with the team. Imagine being a 10 year old and being able to play kick around with your heroes!
A big thank you also goes out to the Toronto FC players who, hearing about a group of local campers whose bus was late picking them up for the event, decided to stay a little later to high five the kids, snap some photos and show them some soccer tricks before their return to BMO field. As you’ll see from the photo, it really made their day! |
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August 24, 2010
MLSE Pakistan Relief Efforts
By Jason Schwabe
 Imagine everyone, every man, woman and child in the GTA, plus Barrie, Niagara, Hamilton, Kitchener, Waterloo and Guelph, six million in all according to the highest UN estimates…homeless. That same number of people have no ready access to clean water and are in desperate need of food. This is the scene in Pakistan today.
MLSE is doing what it can to help with the crisis. MLSE has committed to match all employee donations going towards the Pakistan relief efforts. Employees are also volunteering to hold a massive gate collection this Saturday night at BMO field when Toronto FC takes on Real Salt Lake. All proceeds will benefit the Red Cross’ Pakistan relief efforts.
Fans are encouraged to text "redcross" to 30333. A $5 donation will be added to phone bills will with all proceeds benefiting the Red Cross.
Let’s extend a hand and team up for some people who are really in need.
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August 19, 2010
Recipe For Community
By Alicia Erz
Last week, the MLSE Team Up Foundation, along with the City of Toronto, Toronto Community Foundation and Toronto Community Housing, held a press conference at the Wellesley Community Centre to announce this year’s Recipe for Community project. Recipe for Community uses ideas from residents to strengthen the community's sense of opportunity, belonging and pride, and to build community skills and capacity. This year’s project will re-vitalize the St. James Town neighborhood.
  
The MLSE Team Up Foundation will be contributing to the refurbishment of the outdoor basketball court on Bleecker Street, transforming it into a welcoming community space for all ages and abilities.
At the press conference Tom Anselmi, Executive Vice-President and COO of MLSE, who is also a Team Up Foundation board member, spoke about how excited the Foundation is to be part of this larger partnership that is aimed at building communities and supporting the development of safe and vibrant neighbourhoods.
After the official announcement, Tom and Mayor David Miller visited the gym where a basketball clinic was being led by members of the Raptors basketball development team. Youth from St. James Town participated in a skills clinic and took some time out to cheer on Mayor Miller as he tried his hand at shooting a basketball. |
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August 9, 2010
"This is the best hockey camp EVER!!"
By Jason Schwabe
The Leafs' Hockey School recently received some positive feedback from the parents of Leafs' Hockey School participant Jacob. Read the enlightening feedback below:
Our son Jacob spent a fantastic week at Leafs' Hockey School (July 12-16). Every morning, he would start camp with a huge smile on his face, and every afternoon at pickup we found him with an even bigger smile! Jacob's week was chock full of fun and excitement -- on-ice instruction, outdoor field sports, dryland activities, the ACC tour, and of course the 'special guests'! Jacob met many past and present Leafs during the week, which made hockey school that much more awesome for him! Without a doubt, meeting Luke Schenn on Day 1 was THE highlight of the week for Jacob, and the signed photo of he and Luke that he received in his package on Friday is such a special keepsake and memento for our son. The personalized Leafs' jersey was also a huge hit with Jacob, and being able to meet some Leafs and have his jersey autographed by all of them makes his jersey that much more special. Also, our son enjoyed the catered lunch very much -- he actually had seconds every single day!! We also must say some words about the hockey school staff. From the moment they first met Jacob on Day 1, they knew his name (last name too!) and made him feel very welcome. Throughout the week, the staff provided guidance and encouragement on and off the ice to all the kids, and the staff were very welcoming to the parents each day. On the final day, the staff organized a great closing ceremony/event, and having the guest speakers and NHL trophies there for the kids then were extra special touches Thank you to all the staff for a great job!!
Thank you for a fabulous week full of fun and excitement .. there were so many awesome memories that Jacob will be talking about for a very long time. His first words after Day 1 were "This is the best hockey camp EVER!!" And his last words as we were packing up to leave the building on Friday were "I want to come back to Leafs Hockey School next summer!!" Wow! Thank you!!
Sincerely,
Cindy and Michael Stuy |
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