SUDBURY, Ont. – The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League would like to extend its congratulations to the Soo Eagles on their recognition by War Memorial Hospital in Sault Sainte Marie, Mich., for being named WMH’s February Partner of The Month.
The Eagles were recognized in part by the continued support shown by the players, coaches and staff within their organization in supporting the WMH Road to Recovery Program as well as partnering with the hospital to provide scholarships benefiting both graduating high school seniors and current War Memorial Hospital Employees.
“We enjoy and respect our relationship with the Soo Eagles organization,” offered War Memorial Hospital’s director, community relations and development fund Teresa Dwyer-Armstrong.
“From the management, to the coaching staff and players, their involvement in our community is seen everywhere,” said Dwyer-Armstrong. “From fundraisers of their own, to helping out and volunteering for other charitable events., we appreciate all that they do for our community and for our hospital. They are a true community partner.”
The Eagles home game this evening vs. the Espanola Express at 7:30 p.m. at Pullar Stadium is also War Memorial Hospital Night.
“Like the majority of our member clubs within the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, who continually serve their respective communities off the ice in such worthwhile endeavours such as this, we commend the entire Soo Eagles organization for their steadfast commitment and community support,” stated NOJHL Commissioner Robert Mazzuca.
“So many of our member clubs donate their time and efforts to help make their towns a better place and we at the NOJHL wholeheartedly support each and every one of this volunteer programs the teams are a part of,” added Mazzuca.
ABOUT THE ROAD TO RECOVERY PROGRAM
Since October 2009, the WMH Road to Recovery program has provided transportation to cancer patients of the Eastern Upper Peninsula for free, improving access to Radiation services. Trained volunteer drivers make the 186-mile round trip to and from Sault Ste. Marie to Petoskey five days per week. The van leaves WMH in the morning and picks up patients along the I-75 corridor.
The program helps alleviate the financial and travel burden on patients and their families with some patients needing to travel for treatments five days per week for up to eight weeks. By removing this stress and burden it allows the patient to focus more on health and healing. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of the program is the opportunity for friendships and an organic support system to develop among patients and volunteer drivers as they travel together.