Doc Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund scores big with nearly $500,000 in support of Canadian sports and recreation.

CALGARY, Feb. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - Nearly $500,000 has been granted to amateur hockey development, and sports and recreation organizations across the country as a result of Doc Seaman's legacy gift to The Calgary Foundation. The $10 million Daryl (Doc) K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund has provided much needed support to amateur ice hockey and registered Canadian amateur athletic associations from coast to coast.

"Doc Seaman was a man who believed deeply about giving back to his community, particularly in supporting youth recreation and wellness. And, as we all know, he loved the game of hockey," said Eva Friesen, The Calgary Foundation President & CEO. "With Canadian obesity rates at an all-time high, we are keenly aware of the importance of supporting active and healthy lifestyles, and the Doc Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund has allowed us to fund a wide-range of recreation and athletic organizations right across the country."

In the 2013 Calgary's Vital Signs Report, citizens identified their top sports and recreation priorities as increasing the number of children and youth involved in recreational activities, and providing more affordable sports opportunities. The Calgary Foundation listened to these priorities and the latest grants from the Doc Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund support not only hockey and sports organizations, but wellness initiatives, as well.

Recent grants provided a total of $466,200 in support to 14 organizations, including:

• Canadian Luge Association - Luge Youth Development (Calgary, AB)
• Purchase 65 sleds for programs in Calgary, Whistler and Ottawa to increase the number of youth participating in luge.
• Boyle Street Service Society - Inner City Edmonton: Building Community Through Sport and Recreation (Edmonton,  AB)
• Enable marginalized inner city youth, First Nations and newcomers to participate in sport, as well as build confidence.
• City of Colwood - South Island Ravens Hockey Program (Colwood, BC)
• Provide more children living with developmental disabilities the opportunity to play organized hockey.
• Courage Canada Hockey for the Blind - Inaugural Summer Camp (Toronto, ON)
• Support the founding of the first ever annual summer hockey camp for blind and partially-sighted youth.

A detailed listing of all grant recipients is available online at thecalgaryfoundation.org. The Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund accepts applications once a year, with more information available online.

The Calgary Foundation (TCF) - Established in 1955, TCF facilitates collaborative philanthropy by making powerful connections between donors and community organizations for the long term benefit of Calgary and surrounding area. In 2012-2013, The Calgary Foundation saw $205.2 million in new contributions, had an asset base of $632.4 million and granted $34.6 million to 761 charitable organizations.

Image with caption: "The Calgary Foundation - For Calgary Forever. (CNW Group/The Calgary Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140212_C9209_PHOTO_EN_36552.jpg

SOURCE: The Calgary Foundation