What do P.K. Subban, Carey Price and two female hockey players from Kelowna have in common?
They all have a charitable foundation that helps kids, and all will be featured on a Chevy’s Power of Play segment broadcast on Sportsnet’s Hockey Night in Canada.
“I can’t believe Sportsnet called us and pitched doing a segment on our charitable foundation,” said Danielle Grundy, co-founder and president of the Grindstone Award Foundation.
“I got involved because I grew up here and I just want to give back to those in my community who face barriers to a sport that helped shape who I am today.”
As a former Ivy League and professional hockey player, Grundy knows the challenges to success in an expensive and traditional, male-dominated sport like hockey, so the Grindstone Award helps female athletes under the age of 19 who require financial assistance to fulfill their passion for hockey.
“I want to give girls the chance to play because when I was young I struggled through hardships which made that dream impossible for me,” stated Sasha Podolchak, co-founder and VP. “I want to offer the opportunity to someone out there who has that desire like I had.“
To go to the next level, Grundy and Podolchak will promote a number of events to raise awareness and funds for the foundation.
The two have started a partnership with Sport Chek, along with a Facebook contest, giving away a $250 gift certificate from the Kelowna Sport Chek store.
On the weekend of March 24 to 26, BC Hockey is teaming up with the foundation to host a female hockey jamboree focusing on fun, prizes and skills development.
A silent auction will also be held the same weekend with all proceeds going directly to the player grants.
“We’re working on more events like a charity hockey tournament at the end of July,” hinted Grundy, “we’re hoping to have some big names from the Canadian women’s team help coach at the tournament.”
Grundy played her minor hockey in Kelowna, before landing a scholarship to play at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. She also played two seasons of professional hockey in Switzerland.
Upon returning to Kelowna, Grundy has been heavily involved in girls’ minor hockey the city, including serving as the head coach female development for the Kelowna Minor Hockey Association.
Podolchak, who didn't have the opportunity to play hockey in her youth, wants to help young women today achieve their goals on the ice.
For more information, visit grindstoneaward.com
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On the weekend of March 24 to 26, BC Hockey is teaming up with the foundation to host a female hockey jamboree focusing on fun, prizes and skills development.
A silent auction will also be held the same weekend with all proceeds going directly to the player grants.
“We’re working on more events like a charity hockey tournament at the end of July,” hinted Grundy, “we’re hoping to have some big names from the Canadian women’s team help coach at the tournament.”
Grundy played her minor hockey in Kelowna, before landing a scholarship to play at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. She also played two seasons of professional hockey in Switzerland.
Upon returning to Kelowna, Grundy has been heavily involved in girls’ minor hockey the city, including serving as the head coach female development for the Kelowna Minor Hockey Association.
For more information, visit grindstoneaward.com
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