Hockey Canada ticket donation program opens doors for kids, parents say

Renee Larocque and Eddie Haddad were thrilled when a local charity supporting families with autistic children offered them free tickets to watch Canada play the Czech Republic in the World Juniors pre-tournament competition in Ottawa. The tickets, located in a box at the 100 level of the Canadian Tire Center, provided an unforgettable experience for their children, who have autism.

Hockey Canada participates in a program that allows fans who may not be able to attend all the games they purchased tickets for to donate them to partner organizations. Kids Up Front is one such organization that receives these donated tickets and distributes them to families in need. Larocque and Haddad expressed how much of a positive impact receiving these tickets had on their family, providing their children with a rare opportunity to socialize and enjoy a sense of normalcy.

For families like Larocque and Haddad’s, who often have to prioritize expenses related to caring for children with disabilities, attending events like the World Juniors can be out of reach. The donated tickets from generous fans help bridge this gap, allowing children who may not otherwise have the chance to attend such events the opportunity to create lasting memories.

The process of donating tickets is simple for fans who purchase them through Ticketmaster. If they are unable to attend, they can choose to donate their tickets through the platform. Kids Up Front then distributes these donated tickets to partner organizations in the community, ensuring that families in need can benefit from these experiences.

In 2024, Kids Up Front provided approximately 13,000 free tickets to various events, including sports and concerts, with an estimated value of $400,000. This year, over 2,000 tickets have already been donated for the World Juniors tournament. Michael Harris, the executive director of Kids Up Front, emphasized the importance of these donations in creating lifelong memories for children and youth who may not have the means to attend such events otherwise.

The impact of these donated tickets is significant, not only for the children who receive them but also for their families. Larocque highlighted the joy it brings to both kids and parents alike, making it clear that these donations truly make a difference in the lives of those who benefit from them. By participating in the ticket donation program, fans can help spread happiness and create unforgettable experiences for families in need.