Windsor Spitfires and Hospital Foundation Unite for Youth Sports Fundraising Initiative
The Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation and the Windsor Spitfires hockey team have announced a collaborative partnership to launch a new school-based fundraising campaign. This initiative, named Hockey Helps, is designed to support the annual Hats On for Healthcare community fundraising drive.
Hockey Helps: Connecting Youth Sports with Healthcare Support
As part of the Hockey Helps program, youth sports teams and local schools will be paired with Windsor Spitfires players to participate in friendly fundraising competitions. The goal is to engage students and athletes in collective efforts to raise funds for vital healthcare programs and services at Windsor Regional Hospital.
Cristina Naccarato, executive director of the Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership in a press release. "Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation is incredibly proud to see our local schools and players joining forces for Hockey Helps Hats On For Healthcare," Naccarato stated. "This partnership goes far beyond the arena; it's about students and athletes coming together as one team to support the health of our community."
Hats On for Healthcare: A Longstanding Community Tradition
The Hats On for Healthcare campaign, now in its 17th year, is scheduled to run from March 1 to 31. Since its inception, this annual fundraiser has generated over $700,000 for programs and services at Windsor Regional Hospital. The addition of the Hockey Helps component aims to expand community involvement and increase fundraising potential through youth sports engagement.
Nick Welsh, manager of communications for the Windsor Spitfires, highlighted the team's commitment to community service. "Being a Spitfire means striving to be not only great hockey players, but even better people," Welsh said. "This partnership reflects our commitment to giving back and using the platform of our team to support vital patient care programs right here in Windsor-Essex."
How to Participate in the Fundraising Campaign
Individuals, schools, and businesses interested in joining the Hockey Helps initiative can register their teams through the official campaign portal. The program encourages friendly competition among participants while supporting essential healthcare services in the Windsor-Essex region.
The partnership was formally announced at a press conference held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the WFCU Centre. Representatives from both organizations emphasized how this collaboration leverages the popularity of youth sports to benefit community health initiatives.
Stacey MacDonald, manager of philanthropy with Windsor Regional Hospital, also spoke at the event, underscoring the importance of community partnerships in healthcare fundraising. The Hockey Helps program represents an innovative approach to engaging younger generations in philanthropy through sports.
