ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND--(Marketwired - Jul 1, 2015) - Five Hole for Food (FHFF) kicks off its sixth consecutive road trip to raise food and funds in support of food banks across the country. Raising more than 1-million pounds of food in the first five years, FHFF will build upon that and kick off this year's 18-day tour coast-to-coast tour as part of St. John's official Canada Day festivities.
"We've had a huge response over the last five years and it's fantastic to see all familiar faces come out every year to support their local food bank," said Richard Loat, Five Hole for Food CEO and founder. "Despite having raised 1-million pounds of food over the past five years, food banks across the country still have very real need for non-perishable goods."
In 2010, then-university student Richard Loat saw the potential for hockey to make a direct impact on daily lives of Canadians. What began as a summer tour of nine cities is now an annual event supporting 13 local food banks across the country.
FHFF boasts of a force of more than 40 volunteers and is backed by national partners. The flagship event remains the July journey of free drop-in events where Canadians from coast-to-coast are invited to bring a stick, a food or cash donation, and make a different in their communities.
"Volunteers play such a key role in the fight against hunger in Canada - the day-to-day efforts of those support food banks year round help to make life easier for those in need. Encouraging people to get involved in their communities can start with something as simple as a ball hockey game," said Loat.
This year, it's even easier to get involved. Individuals or teams can register at http://www.FiveHoleforFood.com/register and can choose when they want to play. Kids and kids at heart can still drop by at any tour stop and register on-site to participate in the free drop-in ball hockey games. All you need is a a hockey stick and a can of food or a cash donation for the food banks.
The 2015 road trip schedule, starting in Newfoundland and ending in British Columbia, is as follows:
| July 1: St. John's - George Street |
| July 3: Halifax - Grand Parade |
| July 4: Charlottetown - Sobeys Stratford parking lot |
| July 5: Saint John - East parking lot beside Harbour Station |
| July 6: Montreal - Uniprix Stadium |
| July 7: Ottawa - Sparks Street |
| July 8: Toronto - YD Square |
| July 11: Winnipeg - Royal Sports |
| July 13: Regina - Scarth Street Mall |
| July 14: Calgary - Eau Claire Market |
| July 15: Edmonton - Centennial Plaza |
| July 17: Victoria - Mayfair Shopping Centre parking lot |
| July 18: Vancouver - Granville Street (between Georgia Street and Smithe Street) |
This year's sponsors are: London Drugs, Natures Path, Canadian Pacific, 7-Eleven, The NHLPA Goals and Dreams Fund, Molson Canadian, Marketwired, Boston Pizza, John van der Woude Designs and The Hockey Foundation.