Good Causes: Hockey Fights Domestic Violence

by Erica, Staff Writer and Fundraising Specialist, All Habs Hockey Magazine

MONTREAL, QC. — I love it when sports fans use social media to help others and do the right thing. Hockey Fights Domestic Violence is an excellent example of this.

The hockey community was shaken by the arrest of Los Angeles Kings player Slava Voynov on charges of domestic abuse, and pleased that the NHL suspended him immediately. This comes off the heels of the mishandling of disciplinary action for NFL player Ray Rice earlier this year. Neither player is the first in his league to commit such an atrocious act, and it’s time that sports fans – and the public at large – have their say about the atrocity of domestic violence.

Spearheaded by Alexandra Edwards, with the help of two hockey-loving friends, Hockey Fights Domestic Violence encourages fans to approach the cause however they wish. Inspired by the NHL-sponsored Hockey Fights Cancer movement, Hockey Fights Domestic Violence aims to unite hockey fans in raising funds and awareness on a large scale as well as a local one. Anyone who wishes to participate by donating money can personalize their pledge. They can pledge per goal, per point, per win. They can donate whatever amount fits their budget. And most interesting of all, they can research any worthy organization to donate to. From a post by Edwards at the Hockey Fights Domestic Violence site:

The Plan:

(your favorite player’s stats) x (a small dollar amount) = regular donations to a domestic violence nonprofit of your choice

My Example:

I picked Jamie Benn—because every time I watch him play he reminds me to be bigger, faster, better, and cuter than the competition.

Then I picked The Family Place, a Dallas nonprofit with an impressive array of programs and a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator.

• for each goal Jamie scores this season, I’ll donate $1.00
• for each assist he’s credited with, I’ll donate $0.50
• I’ll tally up his points at the 15th of each month and make my donation

 

Anyone who wants to participate is welcome to do so in any way they can. Instead of monetary donations, fans can consider pledging to donate their time or household items – many shelters will happily accept donations of clothing and toiletries.

I’ve decided on my pledge for the month of November – I’ll donate $5 for every Habs win, and $10 for every shutout by either goalie. I haven’t chosen an organization to donate to yet, but I’ve done some research on organizations in Montreal and will be choosing one of them:

• Auberge Shalom, whose services include a 24-hour emergency hotline and a legal clinic;
• Logifem, offering emergency and long-term shelter, as well as assistance for women to find new homes or jobs;
• Shield of Athena, providing counseling and support groups in multiple languages to women and children.

I encourage Hockey Pub’s readers to do some research, choose an organization that needs their help, and use the hashtag #hockeyfightsdv to talk about it. You can visit the Hockey Fights Domestic Violence website here.

Tags: Charity, featured, Hockey, NHL, Ray Rice, Slava Voynov, violence