Rangers Reach hopes more OHL teams will lead by example and support sexual assault centres
Posted Nov 19, 2024 03:55:24 PM.
Last Updated Nov 19, 2024 03:55:29 PM.
A program launched by the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC) aims to teach young, male athletes about consent, healthy masculinity and leadership.
Rangers Reach is hoping to help them expand the Leading by Example program with a $50,000 donation after seeing a successful pilot version of it.
“I think it’s really important, given the current climate, especially surrounding junior hockey in Ontario and Canada, I think we have an obligation to support these types of programs and they’re important programs for our youth to participate in,” Craig Campbell, executive director for Rangers Reach said while on The Mike Farwell Show Nov. 19.
“We have a chance to change the culture in hockey, and not just hockey but in all sports and life. I think we have, as adults, we have an obligation to try and help the younger generation.”
In a media release this week, the Public Education Manager for SASC, Karley Doucette, said the donation over the next two years will help them engage with young, male hockey players in discussion around consent and healthy relationships. They are aiming to roll out the program to minor sport athletes aged 13 to 15.
“Together, we are setting a new standard in our community for what it means for hockey players to lead by example, both on and off the ice,” wrote Doucette.
The goal of the Leading by Example and Male Allies programs are to build lasting foundations with youth for positive behaviour and social responsibility.
Rangers Reach is hoping to inspire other teams to jump on board and partner with sexual assault support centres in their own towns or cities.
“Our hope is, and through the Rangers they’re hope is that maybe Leading by Example for us translates to other organizations around the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) leading by example in their communities and understanding that this is important,” said Campbell.
Rangers Reach will celebrate the large donation with the Kitchener Rangers on the ice during a ceremonial puck drop at a home game Dec. 6.
Rangers Reach also has applications open for a limited time for their Community Impact Grants. That window closes Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. for applications. The grants that go into community programs are made available through proceeds from the Ranger’s 50/50 raffles during home games.
The focus for the 2024 Community Impact Grants are youth and amateur sport. All of the applications are reviewed by the Rangers Reach Grants Committee and applicants will be notified of selections at the start of next year.
Campbell mentioned they have $100,000 in grants to give out thanks to the support of the raffle.
