Sun Life sponsorship to help kids play hockey
The Ontario Hockey League’s 2011-2012 season begins on September 21 and one team has already received a boost.
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada announced it has entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement with the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club.
As title sponsor for the Sun Life Financial Kids In Gear program, the company will support efforts to collect and buy hockey equipment for kids who need financial support in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region.
“We’re excited to support the Kitchener Rangers, a team with a proud history and strong community involvement,” said Kevin Dougherty, President, Sun Life Financial Canada. “Over 3,000 Sun Life employees and advisors make a significant impact in Waterloo Region, and this partnership will give us even more opportunities to contribute to our community and clearly see the positive results.”
Michael Catenacci wears the new Kitchener Rangers' warm-up jersey after being named team captain for the 2011-12 season at Sun Life's Canadian headquarters in Waterloo. (left to right) Steve Spott, Head Coach and General Manager of the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club; Catenacci; Bob Parent, Regional Vice-President, Sun Life Financial, and former Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs player; Kevin Dougherty, President, Sun Life Financial Canada (CNW Group/Sun Life Financial Inc.)
The Sun Life Financial Kids In Gear program is the cornerstone of the partnership, helping kids who may not have the funds to get involved in hockey. Three elements of the sponsorship will support the Sun Life Financial Kids in Gear program:
- Every time the Rangers score a goal at home, Sun Life will make a monetary donation to the program.
- Sun Life will hold equipment drives at its local offices.
- At a Skate with the Rangers event in January 2012 involving community and media partners, equipment will be collected for the program.
Following the sponsorship announcement and the naming of Michael Catenacci as the team’s new captain, Bob Parent, a former Kitchener Rangers player and current Regional Vice-President at Sun Life, dropped a ceremonial puck between coach Steve Spott and Dougherty to celebrate the collaboration.
