Sports help kids stay fit, build confidence and self-esteem and start friendships that last forever. Diversity in sports helps everyone. The Giving Dogs’ mission is to achieve both. We are helping kids from low income neighborhoods appreciate the benefits of sports through their participation in hockey. And we are also bringing a more diverse group of players onto the ice. By supporting diversity, we are changing perspectives and creating new mindsets. We are showing kids what we can achieve when our teams are accessible to everyone.  

We truly believe that sports have the power to change the world. When you open up opportunities to all kids, and when you show all kids the benefits of a diverse team, you are helping to set in place a mindset that will hopefully last a lifetime.    

There are so many children in our less fortunate communities who cannot afford to play ice hockey. The Giving Dogs lessen the budget constraints of playing ice hockey. We offer scholarships that allow kids to join the team of their choice. The Giving Dogs also donate equipment, ice time and instruction to children in need. We believe that all children should be able to enjoy the benefits of hockey.

Our mission and give back efforts are focused on the following areas:    

TEAM SCHOLARSHIPS: The Giving Dogs provide scholarships to kids from low income neighbors. These efforts allow for more kids to join the team of their choice. We accept requests for assistance on our website and also work with coaches to identify our recipients.     

HOCKEY EQUIPMENT: The Giving Dogs outfit kids in need with ice hockey equipment. From skates to pad to helmets, good equipment is an essential element of the game. The right equipment may give you a cutting edge and will certainly help keep you safe. We want to ensure that all kids have the same advantages and protection.  

ICE TIME AND INSTRUCTION: The Giving Dogs level the playing field by providing practice opportunities, including ice time and coaching, for kids from low income neighborhoods who might not normally have access to those options.

Our current program, NO PLAYERS LEFT BEHIND, takes into account our COVID-19 crisis. Even in the best of times, many children cannot afford to play ice hockey. They cannot pay the team fees and cannot buy the hockey equipment. And now, as local hockey programs have been forced to shut down because of COVID-19, families are forced to look to even more expensive rinks and teams. 

Your donations help these hockey hopefuls from low-income neighborhoods who would not otherwise be able to play ice hockey. We do not want children left behind because they cannot afford to play. Now more than ever it is important for children to have a safe place to play. A safe place to stay fit. A safe place to build confidence and self-esteem. And a safe place to see old friends and make new ones. 

We appreciate the assistance of businesses and individuals who help support our mission. We accept donations on our website as well as donations of equipment, ice time and instruction. Donating to children in need is a perfect outlet for your excess inventory and a potential tax deduction as well. The Giving Dogs is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Please contact us for more information.