Women’s hockey has never been so popular and at such a pivotal moment in the professional women’s game, support for young female players right now is critical.
The Grindstone Award Foundation, a registered Canadian charity, has opened their grant process for Canadian female hockey players under 19 years of age that have a desire to play but are unable to for financial reasons.
“Every female athlete should have the right to play sport, no matter their financial status. We are striving to create opportunities for young girls that want to play hockey but their families face financial barriers. We believe women, young and old, can be strong leaders and impactful. Every donation made and every grant given creates an opportunity to become a leader and our hope is that the players we sponsor help create leaders for the generation that comes after them,” said Danielle Grundy, president of the Grindstone Award Foundation.
The goal for Grindstone is to award 50 grants for the upcoming 2019-2020 season. These are based on financial need and desire, not hockey ability.
“Last year we were able to award 30 grants to a group of kids that we got to see grow in so many ways on and off the ice. It is incredible for us to be able to share their journey along the way so those who donate might see these kids get their first goal, become confident young women, meet new friends and know that their donation went to all those smiles and milestones that these young players reach,” said Grundy.
Jada Livingston was a 2018 grant recipient and is now a Grindstone Ambassador. The young Metis woman is an honour student that works a summer job to help her parents pay for the costs associated with hockey. She also applies for bursaries and other financial aid. She represented Team BC at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships and that opportunity led to her getting selected to play on the APTN’s TV show Hit the Ice. As a Grindstone Ambassador, she transfers her leadership and mentorship skills into her vlogs on the Grindstone Award Foundation social media channels, sharing insights on life and her hockey pursuits.
“The stereotypes put in place for female hockey players is one, us as females, have to overcome. We need to prove to our society that we are the new generation and we ill not back down from any competition. We are the next part of the hockey world,” said Livingston.
The grant application form for the upcoming season can be found at www.GrindstoneAward.com and the deadline to submit is July 31, 2019. Grant recipients will be chosen after Aug. 1, 2019 to help families prepare for the 2019-2020 hockey season.
The Grindstone Award Foundation is also hosting their third annual women’s charity tournament, in Kelowna, B.C. from July 19 to 21. Registration is now open to players with proceeds from the tournament going to the grants that provide financial support and equipment to female hockey players in need.
“This is our largest fundraising event of the season and last year it was a groundbreaking event that helped us raise enough funds to provide grants to 30 female players across Canada. We hope that women from across the country will join us by supporting this movement to help girls play hockey and be part of something bigger, something that will have a lasting impact,” said Grundy.
The tournament is open to players 19 years and older. Early bird price is $120 per player. The tournament is open to any ability as you register as an individual (you can request to be teamed up with friends). Players are named to a team for a memorable three day weekend where they get to play four games, meet new friends and support the grassroots of female hockey.
Included in your registration fee is a skill session for newer players, a charity banquet dinner, a chance to play in the all star game and other surprises.
The tournament is held at the Kelowna Capital News Centre.
Keep up-to-date on all things Grindstone by following us on Facebook @GrindstoneAwardFoundation and on Twitter and Instagram @GrindstoneAward. You can also find us on YouTube by searching Grindstone Award Foundation.
About Grindstone Award Foundation:
The Grindstone Award Foundation is a charity that enables young female players to participate and improve their skill development in the sport of hockey. The intent is to provide support to communities across Canada and address the needs of players who have a desire to play, but are unable to for financial reasons. The Foundation provides grants to female players under the age of nineteen who have expressed a desire to pursue their goals in athletics. Our selection will be based on financial need and desire, not on hockey ability. It is the Foundation’s intention that all grants will be awarded objectively in accordance with this criteria.
For an interview contact:
Danielle Grundy
President, Grindstone Award Foundation
250-863-2433
