Great question! The Hockey Fights Cancer (HFC) initiative began in 1998 as a joint project between the NHL and NHLPA. It has grown into a major, long-running program that has raised over $44 million by uniting the hockey community through events and fundraisers, with its impact being the support for cancer patients, their families, and the funding of cancer research and patient programs. Since 2023, it has been powered by the V Foundation, with AstraZeneca serving as a major partner. Origin Founded in 1998 by the NHL and the NHLPA, it was the first national cause program pioneered by a major sports league. The initiative was sparked by similar programs, such as the one started by the Tampa Bay Lightning after player John Cullen's battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The program was launched with initial donations of $50,000 from both the NHL and NHLPA. By 1999, it had already raised nearly $1 million. Growth The initiative has expanded to include a wide network of participants, from players and coaches to fans and broadcasters. Each NHL team now holds its own HFC-themed night each season, with funds raised and awareness campaigns directed locally. The scope of the program has broadened beyond the NHL, with amateur and youth hockey teams also participating. In 2023, the V Foundation became the official charitable partner, and AstraZeneca joined as a key corporate partner. This partnership has accelerated fundraising, with over $12 million raised in the first two years of the collaboration. Other corporate sponsors, such as Hyundai, have also joined the effort, especially in Canada. Impact Financial support: The program has raised over $44 million to date, which goes to support cancer patients and fund research. Patient and family support: Funds are used for patient support programs, such as the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge communities, which provide lodging for patients and their caregivers who are away from home for treatment. Raising awareness: The HFC initiative raises awareness about cancer, cancer prevention, and the importance of early detection, such as through the AstraZeneca "Get Body Checked Against Cancer" campaign. Community involvement: It has fostered a sense of unity within the hockey community, bringing together players, teams, and fans to support a common cause. Promoting hope: The initiative aims to provide hope and support to those who are battling cancer.
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Respect and love. ❤️
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Mario #1
💜
Great question! The Hockey Fights Cancer (HFC) initiative began in 1998 as a joint project between the NHL and NHLPA. It has grown into a major, long-running program that has raised over $44 million by uniting the hockey community through events and fundraisers, with its impact being the support for cancer patients, their families, and the funding of cancer research and patient programs. Since 2023, it has been powered by the V Foundation, with AstraZeneca serving as a major partner.
Origin
Founded in 1998 by the NHL and the NHLPA, it was the first national cause program pioneered by a major sports league.
The initiative was sparked by similar programs, such as the one started by the Tampa Bay Lightning after player John Cullen's battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The program was launched with initial donations of $50,000 from both the NHL and NHLPA.
By 1999, it had already raised nearly $1 million.
Growth
The initiative has expanded to include a wide network of participants, from players and coaches to fans and broadcasters.
Each NHL team now holds its own HFC-themed night each season, with funds raised and awareness campaigns directed locally.
The scope of the program has broadened beyond the NHL, with amateur and youth hockey teams also participating.
In 2023, the V Foundation became the official charitable partner, and AstraZeneca joined as a key corporate partner.
This partnership has accelerated fundraising, with over $12 million raised in the first two years of the collaboration.
Other corporate sponsors, such as Hyundai, have also joined the effort, especially in Canada.
Impact
Financial support: The program has raised over $44 million to date, which goes to support cancer patients and fund research.
Patient and family support: Funds are used for patient support programs, such as the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge communities, which provide lodging for patients and their caregivers who are away from home for treatment.
Raising awareness: The HFC initiative raises awareness about cancer, cancer prevention, and the importance of early detection, such as through the AstraZeneca "Get Body Checked Against Cancer" campaign.
Community involvement: It has fostered a sense of unity within the hockey community, bringing together players, teams, and fans to support a common cause.
Promoting hope: The initiative aims to provide hope and support to those who are battling cancer.
Thank you