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Hockey is more than just a game鈥攊t鈥檚 about discipline, teamwork, and character both on and off the ice. At the Calgary International Hockey Academy (CIHA), players train not only to compete at a high level but also to become leaders in their communities. This commitment to excellence extends beyond the rink, as CIHA encourages players to use their platform to make a difference in the lives of others.

One of the most impactful ways CIHA has lived out this mission is through its partnership with the Christmas Hamper program at Centre Street Church. What began as a small initiative over 15 years ago has grown into a vital program that supports hundreds of families and individuals facing hardship each holiday season. With a shared passion for giving back, CIHA players, coaches, and families embraced the opportunity to serve, providing not only Christmas hampers but also meaningful connections and moments of hope.

The Christmas Hamper program at Centre Street Church became heartfelt response to the struggles faced by families and individuals experiencing hardship, poverty, or homelessness. Recognizing the deep needs within both the congregation and the broader community, the church sought to extend support, offering not just practical assistance but also a message of hope and compassion during the holiday season. What started as a way to care for those facing difficult times has since grown into a cherished initiative, bringing people together to share generosity and kindness each Christmas.

The Christmas Hamper program is primarily facilitated through Centre Street Church鈥檚 ministry, now known as The Centre for the City. This initiative focuses on supporting new Canadians, refugees, individuals experiencing poverty, and those facing homelessness. The recent expansion of Centre Street Church鈥檚 central campus has provided much-needed space to better serve and support those in need. In addition to being a distribution site for the Calgary Food Bank, The Centre for the City collaborates with various agencies across Calgary, assisting them in providing Christmas hampers to their clients. Through these partnerships, the program continues to extend its reach, ensuring that more individuals and families receive essential support during the holiday season.

As a former leader of the Christmas Hamper program, Wayne Smele, CIHA鈥檚 volunteer Champlain, shared that organizing and distributing 500 hampers is a complex and time-intensive process. Planning typically begins in late September or early October, involving coordination with key partners such as the Calgary Food Bank and various community agencies across the city. These organizations help collect requests from families and individuals in need, allowing the team to formulate a structured plan. Once the groundwork is in place, outreach efforts extend to the congregation and the broader community, encouraging volunteers and donors to contribute their time, resources, and support. The process requires extensive logistical coordination, but the collective effort ensures that hundreds of families receive much-needed assistance and a message of hope during the holiday season.

The partnership with CIHA began through the generosity of Jay and Ashley Beagle, who wanted to continue a tradition Jay had established during his time as an NHL player. His deep care for others, along with a strong desire to give back and demonstrate to young athletes the importance of using their influence for good, was the driving force behind this initiative. 鈥淪erving alongside Jay Beagle has been a highlight for me, as he was one of my kids in the youth group 25 years ago,鈥� shared Smele. 鈥淪erving and working alongside him in his role again brings me much joy and contentment and we meet the needs of others.鈥� This vision, combined with a natural connection through a former ministry director at Centre Street Church, made the collaboration a seamless opportunity.

The program officially launched in 2023, with CIHA stepping in to provide crucial support in its first year. Their involvement helped ensure that families who had missed registration deadlines and were at risk of not receiving a Christmas hamper were still able to receive assistance, reinforcing the program鈥檚 mission to serve those in need during the holiday season. 鈥淭he CIHA leadership, parents and players all contributed to help meet the needs of the people last year,鈥� explained Smele. 鈥淚t was a highlight watching the players serve, learn and grow in their compassion and awareness of others less fortunate and how they can make a difference.鈥�

It is estimated that over 500 families and individuals received support through the 2024 Christmas Hamper program. In addition to this, more than 1,000 people were provided with a warm Christmas meal, ensuring that even those facing hardship could experience the joy and generosity of the holiday season. This initiative not only met practical needs but also fostered a sense of community and connection, embodying the spirit of giving and compassion.

The impact of the Christmas Hamper program has been profound, extending far beyond the recipients themselves. While the hampers provide essential support to families and individuals in need, the experience also leaves a lasting impression on those who contribute鈥攚hether by purchasing, assembling, or delivering the hampers. 鈥淛ust this year, my group delivered a hamper to a family, where the parents had just come out of rehab and we鈥檙e starting their life clean and sober,鈥� said Smele. 鈥淪howing up with more than was asked for move them to a emotion and gratefulness and getting to see them again on one of the Christmas meals with their children.鈥� Volunteers and donors often express a deep sense of fulfillment, connection, and gratitude as they witness firsthand the joy and relief their efforts bring to others. This initiative not only meets practical needs but also strengthens the spirit of generosity and community, inspiring people to continue giving and supporting others long after the holiday season has ended.

The influence made by CIHA this 2024 Christmas Hamper season was significant. Players took on an active role in both shopping for and delivering the hampers, allowing them to directly engage with individuals and families in need. These weren鈥檛 just those experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, but also new Canadians, individuals facing addiction, and those in recovery. From conversations with leadership, it was clear that the program left a lasting impression. Recipients expressed their gratitude, sharing how meaningful it was to have a team of hockey players personally deliver their Christmas hamper. For many families, especially those with children, this unexpected visit brought excitement and a sense of being truly cared for during the holiday season.

There are several ways for people to get involved in the Christmas Hamper program. Starting in early fall, individuals and families can sign up through The Centre for the City at Centre Street Church. By late November, participants are matched with a family in need, and in December, they have the opportunity to personally connect with the recipients, shop for their specific needs, and deliver the hamper directly to them. For those unable to participate in shopping and delivery, financial contributions are another meaningful way to make a difference. Donations can be made through Centre Street Church or the Calgary Food Bank, helping to ensure that even more families receive support during the holiday season. Every act of generosity, whether through time, resources, or financial gifts, plays a vital role in bringing hope and joy to those in need.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a deep personal connection for me seeing community and the church come together,鈥� shared Smele. 鈥淏eing the CIHA volunteer chaplain has enriched my life and purpose, being trusted and accepted by the players and coaches, has in part provided this offer opportunity for CIHA to contribute to numerous communities the past 2 years, and I love being a part of it.鈥�