Volunteering

Calgary is known throughout North America as a city of volunteers; Calgarians reaching out and supporting the community, making it a better place for all residents. Girls Hockey Calgary (GHC) has been the benefactor of this volunteer spirit for many years and through the hard work and dedication of these volunteers we have grown to the largest female hockey association in Western Canada. Thanks to the parents and non parents volunteering as coaches, managers, coordinators and board members we have been able to provide a program that is envied by cities throughout the west. However, I am seeing a trend that if not addressed may jeopardize our ability to continue to be successful in the future. The number of volunteers at GHC is growing dangerously low. Over the past three years the Board of Directors have responded to the feedback from parents and players and implemented an organizational structure that has intentionally minimized the impact parents and coaches have on which team and level their daughter is placed. Creating this needed transparency and removing any actual or perceived favouritism has dramatically reduced the number of complaints and concerns raised by our membership; however it has also created a situation where parents find it difficult to understand how they can give back to the Girls Hockey Association.

We have 600+ athletes playing at our association and I believe we have 1200+ parents and grandparents who attend our games regularly cheering on their daughters and granddaughters. I am asking each family to look at how they can volunteer even a few hours to help. GHC has a number of events remaining this year and we need your help to ensure their success. Volunteering at the Provincial Championships, the Midget Women's Nationals and the Spring Banquet are great events that bring our teams together to celebrate female hockey. Look for how you can give back to the association that doesn't directly impact your daughter or her team but builds a strong association that your daughter will benefit from in the future. Calgary has grown to a large and busy city and the residents of Calgary have very busy lives. Having you and your daughter take a few hours and volunteer together at an event is a great way to help our young athletes learn the responsibilities of belonging to a community.

Please call the office (403) 278-9223 or email ghockey@allstream.net

Thank you

Don O'Grady

President Girls Hockey Calgary