Members of York Regional Police and Regional Municipality of York employees will square off against Lexmark Canada employees Saturday night in a charity hockey game to raise money for the local United Way.
The initiative Scoring Goals for the Community is hosting the game at the Magna Centre in Newmarket Nov. 26 as part of its efforts for the United Way Greater Toronto. York Regional Police and York Region have created a team to play against Markham-based Lexmark employees and friends.
Event coordinator Sam Daskalopoulos said the event has come together well, thanks to a family connection with York Regional Police. The event has raised $12,000 this year.
“It’s a great event, but more important, it’s a great cause,” he said. “United Way does a lot for our communities within Ontario and even within Canada.”
Working for the printing company Lexmark, Daskalopoulos has organized similar events since 2017 under the Scoring Goals for the Community banner. The event series aims to run hockey games throughout the region to raise money for area charities. At a 2019 when Newmarket and Aurora squared off, Newmarket Mayor John Taylor and Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas were "celebrity coaches".
The pandemic meant a hiatus, but now the effort is back with an event in Newmarket this year and another planned for Stouffville in March.
Although not a registered charity, Daskalopoulos said they will work with local charities and direct donations directly to them.
The game will take place tomorrow starting at 6 p.m. with a $5 ticket entry. The event will also feature a silent auction, giveaways and a 50/50 draw.
Daskalopoulos said they have already reached their fundraising goal for this year, but now hope to get up to $15,000.
“We are helping out very deserving people and programs that require funding,” he said. “That don’t necessarily have the funding they need.”
More information is available at scoringgoalsforthecommunity.com.
