March 9, 2014 —Nakiska Ski Area Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS) and TELUS provided a unique experience for some of Calgary’s most vulnerable youth with an exciting day in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country. HEROS is a volunteer driven not-for-profit organization that typically uses the game of ice hockey to teach life-skills and empower young people. This time, instead of taking to the ice, this group of HEROS hit the slopes for an off-ice opportunity of a lifetime. With great generosity, TELUS, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and Helly Hansen outfitted, transported and hosted 20 Calgary HEROS participants at Nakiska Mountain Resort for a day of tubing at their brand new tube park. “It was amazing to me how many of our kids had never been to or even seen the mountains before, despite living so close,” said Kevin Hodgson of HEROS. “Active kids are healthy kids, whether they’re on the ice, on the hill or in the gym,” said Olympian Steve Podborski, TELUS director of Community Investment and Engagement. “Our TELUS philosophy to give where we live enables us to, through programs like HEROS, provide unique and meaningful opportunities for our youth that they may not otherwise be able to afford. It is truly rewarding to see the transformation these HEROS work towards and achieve year over year. We are pleased we could help with this fun time at Nakiska to cap off their HEROS experience.” Some of the comments from the HEROS included one mention from Jason that his new coat was now his favourite possession. Another HERO, Ahmed, said he couldn’t believe TELUS would do all of that for them, and that they are lucky to have people who believe in them. He also said he hopes every HEROS participant gets the opportunity to participate someday adding, “As much fun I had, I would give up the chance to do it again so that someone else could have the experience too.” TELUS has supported HEROS since 2004, giving more than $1.7 million and helping young people experience the life lessons that can be taught through ice hockey. TELUS team members also volunteer their time to help coach and mentor the youth in the program. To date, HEROS has put more than 4,000 Canadian children on the ice through its free hockey programs in eight cities across the country.
HEROS slip and slide with snow day at Nakiska
