Mississauga, September 24, 2020 - The Ontario Minor Hockey Association and Egg Farmers of Ontario are together donating $10,000 to Student Nutrition Ontario, a province-wide program that enables students to eat, learn, and succeed.
Student Nutrition Ontario teaches students the importance of healthy eating habits and offer nutritious foods through a variety of programming. The organization works with local communities to provide meals and snacks at the most important parts of the day to ensure that students can focus on performing at their best in the classroom.
Like the OMHA, volunteers play an essential role in the success of the Student Nutrition Program. In previous years, high school students and minor hockey players have earned their community service volunteer hours while helping out their fellow classmates.
Egg Farmers of Ontario are the proud sponsor of OMHA Playdowns which see over 30,000 minor hockey players competing across the province for an OMHA Championship. Because of the sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Finals of Playdowns were cancelled just as teams began competing for the coveted Red Hats. With the support of Egg Farmers of Ontario, the OMHA awarded the title of Co-Champion to the 110 teams who had made the Finals.
Organizations like Student Nutrition Ontario help to build communities from within and we are thrilled to know that our players give back in this way," said Ian Taylor, Executive Director of the OMHA. "Just like in hockey, students need proper nutrition to maximize their output and we know this donation will help kids across the province."
Proceeds from the OMHA are coming from the annual Championship Apparel program. The program celebrates all champions through the purchase of clothing and accessories that feature the OMHA Champions logo. With the naming of Co-Champions, this unique circumstance allowed the opportunity for this donation to be made possible.
“Egg farmers have always understood the value of supporting their communities, especially when it comes to kids. From the breakfast table, to the classroom and the hockey rink, kids today lead active lives and need nutritious food to keep them going,” said EFO Chair Scott Helps. “We are proud to support Student Nutrition Ontario and the many ways they help Ontario students on their journey to excellence.”
“The generous donation from the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and the Egg Farmers of Ontario was a wonderful surprise and it couldn't have come at a better time. We know that many families are struggling financially because of COVID-19 and, as students head back to school in September, Nutrition Programs are more important than ever. Their commitment to nourishing our children and youth is truly wonderful,” said Student Nutrition Ontario Chair Catherine Parsonage.
About the Ontario Minor Hockey Association
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association, founded in 1935, is a leader in community sport and oversees a participant base of 300,000 consisting of players, coaches, trainers, officials, hockey volunteers and parents across the province. The OMHA works with its 225 local minor hockey associations and annually coordinates 28 leagues to create the best minor hockey experience in Canada. For more information, visit www.omha.net.
About Egg Farmers of Ontario
Egg Farmers of Ontario is the association that represents approximately 500 egg and pullet farm families. EFO works to ensure that consumers have access to safe, reliable and reasonably-priced eggs with fair farm pricing ensuring adequate returns to egg farmers. For more information, visit www.getcracking.ca.
For more information:
Matt Rhodes, Business Development and Communications, Ontario Minor Hockey Association 905-780-2155
Donna Lange Director, Acting Director of Public Affairs, Eggs Farmers of Ontario, 905-858-9790; ext. 230