They laced up, volunteered and showed what it means to play with purpose. Hockey Helps the Homeless, sponsored by CN, raised an incredible C$7.8 million for local organizations fighting homelessness across Canada through a series of friendly hockey tournaments.
Our inaugural season has been an incredibly positive experience. This partnership is yet another way CN shows its commitment to communities across our network—and beyond. Together with Hockey Helps the Homeless, we’re working toward a vision of Canada where everyone has a safe place to call home.
–Olivier Chouc, CN Senior Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer
Team CN showed up in full force: 162 players and 46 volunteers across eight cities stepped onto the ice alongside former pro-players, all united by one goal: to help shutout homelessness.
John Mazzei, CN National Account Manager, Bulk, who played hockey in his youth, was all-in at the tournament in Calgary. “It was a fantastic day of hockey! Playing alongside teammates and against opponents who were all united in the same cause created an incredible atmosphere,” says Mazzei, who got to play left wing on a line with former Montreal Canadien Brian Skrudland, who brought in his Stanley Cup ring for people to try on.
We each have a responsibility to show up for our communities and Hockey Helps The Homeless offered a chance to contribute in a meaningful and focussed way,” says Camila. “Seeing the genuine camaraderie between athletes, volunteers, and community partners –people from all walks of life – who were there with their families, was the best part.
–Camila Andrea Sanchez, CN Junior Coordinator, Legislative Affairs
The hockey events were made successful thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, including an enthusiastic group of CN pensioners, employees and their families in every participating city. Camila Andrea Sanchez, CN Junior Coordinator, Legislative Affairs, volunteered at the Montreal tournament, welcoming players, helping coordinate team logistics, and supporting the teams throughout the day. “Homelessness is not something people choose—it can happen to anyone. It has many faces, and it doesn’t define a person’s worth. Everyone deserves compassion. Everyone deserves a second chance—and a safe place to call home,” says Sanchez.
About Our Partnership
In 2024, CN became the new Premier National Partner of Hockey Helps the Homeless, beginning with the 2024–2025 season, to raise awareness and support for people experiencing homelessness through education, fundraising, and partnerships with solution-focused local shelters and services.
The stories shared, the connections made, and the collective energy dedicated to helping others truly exemplified the best of our hockey community. It was a great reminder of how sport can be a powerful force for unity and positive change.
–John Mazzei, CN National Account Manager, Bulk
Currently, there are 300,000-plus unhoused people each year in Canada, though this figure is likely underreported. In 2023-2024, the organizations benefiting from HHTH tournaments provided over 2.7 million meals and 1.8 million nights in beds across the country, among many other vital services. Support from CN will enable HHTH to expand into new markets and to deepen support in existing markets, allowing more lives to be impacted.
