Hockey Canada Foundation, MLSE Team Up Foundation step up to support Regent Park community

Pacesetting donation will refurbish existing hockey rink at Regent Park South

TORONTO, June 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Toronto Community Housing and The Daniels Corporation are pleased to recognize a significant donation from the Hockey Canada Foundation and the MLSE Team Up Foundation, which will ensure residents of Regent Park have access to the game of hockey for years to come.

The contribution was announced last night at the Hockey Canada Foundation Celebrity Classic, held at Air Canada Centre in Toronto. Net proceeds from the annual gala and golf tournament will be used to further improve the outdoor hockey rink, located in the south end of Regent Park.

QUOTES
"We thank the Hockey Canada Foundation and the MLSE Team Up Foundation for this generous donation. We also thank The Daniels Corporation for bringing these partners to Regent Park to refurbish the outdoor rink. Our proposed rezoning of the remaining Regent Park lands, if approved by the City, will provide a basis for future partnerships in the construction of larger athletic facilities at Regent Park that would offer residents a diverse range of sport and recreational activities, as well as support the work of local agencies, such as Dixon Hall, to engage at-risk youth."

—Eugene E. Jones, Jr., President and CEO, Toronto Community Housing

"This incredible gift toward the refurbishment of the hockey rink in Regent Park moves the revitalization project a step closer to the goal of creating a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose athletic grounds at Regent Park. Initiatives of this scale are incredibly important and transformative in terms of the ability to impact the lives of people within this community and provide positive alternatives for youth to engage in healthy sport activities."

—Mitchell Cohen, President, The Daniels Corporation

"We are very proud to invest in the creation of lasting hockey legacies in communities across Canada, by partnering with organizations like the MLSE Team Up Foundation.  These funds will be used to create a first-class outdoor rink, for the youth and families in Regent Park to enjoy Canada's game—an opportunity every citizen deserves."

—Tom Bitove, Past Chair, Hockey Canada Foundation Board &
Co-Chair, Hockey Canada Foundation Celebrity Classic

"The MLSE Team Up Foundation applauds the vision of Toronto Community Housing and The Daniels Corporation in their efforts and commitment to revitalize Regent Park. Thanks to our partnership with the Hockey Canada Foundation, we'll seek to change the lives of kids who call Regent Park home, through the spirit and the power of sports.  We look forward to further opportunities to support this community as the revitalization project continues." 

— Michael Bartlett, Executive Director, MLSE Team Up Foundation

KEY FACTS

• The outdoor ice rink is located at Sumach and Shuter streets, in south Regent Park.
• The rink is owned and operated by the City of Toronto.
• Other recreational facilities currently under construction in Regent Park include a new aquatic centre (to open in 2012), park (2013) and community centre (2014).

LEARN MORE

• About the Regent Park revitalization www.torontohousing.ca/regentpark

About Toronto Community Housing
Toronto Community Housing (www.torontohousing.ca) is Canada's largest social housing provider and home to more than 164,000 tenants with low and moderate incomes-about six per cent of Toronto's population. Toronto Community Housing and its subsidiaries employ 1,400 staff in a broad range of jobs, who deliver its mission to provide affordable housing, connect tenants to services and opportunities, and work together to build healthy

About The Daniels Corporation
The Daniels Corporation (www.danielshomes.ca) is one of Canada's preeminent builder/developers with a reputation for quality and integrity in all forms of residential construction. Named the Tarion Warranty Corporation's 2012 High Rise Builder of the Year and the recipient of the 2012 Toronto Arts and Business Award presented by the Toronto Arts Foundation, Daniels has built more than 23,000 homes throughout the GTA.  Daniels was chosen to partner with Toronto Community Housing to revitalize Regent Park—69 acres in Toronto's Downtown East. Committed to community, Daniels champions neighbourhood initiatives that enhance residents' quality of life and supports numerous charities and non-profit organizations.

About Hockey Canada Foundation
The Hockey Canada Foundation works closely with Hockey Canada to raise money to support minor hockey programs. The foundation focuses on five areas of funding: skill development and qualified coaching; accessibility and diversity; health and wellness; athlete and alumni support; and next-generation programming. More information on the Hockey Canada Foundation is available at www.hockeycanada.ca. 

About MLSE Team Up Foundation
The MLSE Team Up Foundation is the charitable arm of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), combining the philanthropic efforts of all four MLSE teams—the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Marlies. Launched in December 2009, the MLSE Team Up Foundation strives to improve the lives of kids by building facilities, giving to sustainable programs and empowering kids through sports and recreation.  For more information, visit www.mlseteamupfoundation.org.

Image with caption: "Hockey Canada Foundation and MLSE Team Up Foundation have made a significant donation to improve the outdoor hockey rink at the south end of Regent Park, which will ensure residents have access to the game of hockey for years to come. At the formal presentation (l-r) Justin Bobb, Youth Engagement Coordinator, Toronto Community Housing;  Mitchell Cohen,  President, The Daniels Corporation:  Michael Bartlett, Executive Director, MLSE Team Up Foundation; Tom Bitove, Past Chair, Hockey Canada Foundation Board & Co-Chair, Hockey Canada Foundation Celebrity Classic. (CNW Group/Daniels Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120626_C4190_PHOTO_EN_15727.jpg

NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS
Sinead Canavan, Toronto Community Housing, 416-981-4346, [email protected]
David Eisenstadt, for The Daniels Corporation, 416-696-9900 x 36, [email protected]
Andre Brin, Hockey Canada, 403-777-4557, [email protected]
Rajani Kamath, MLSE, 416-815-5790, [email protected]