Having recently moved to the Cambridge area, Gordon Springle has noticed how the issue of homelessness has been woven into the fabric of the city.
He is now joining forces with other local realtors to participate in a charity hockey game to help those living unhoused in the region.
"You know, I saw that this issue was really hurting those living in the community and on the streets and I felt like there was nothing I could do to help," said Springle. "When I found out about Hockey Helps the Homeless I was like, wow there is something that I can actually participate in and make a difference."
Hockey Helps the Homeless has raised millions of dollars to fight homelessness around the province. Here locally, there will be six local beneficiaries: oneROOF Youth Services, House of Friendship, YW Kitchener-Waterloo, Starling Community Services, Cambridge Shelter Corporation and The Working Centre.
Springle has been living in Preston for the past four years, moving to Cambridge from Toronto just before the pandemic hit. It was hard for him to adjust, but through his work as a realtor, he began to understand and gain a vast appreciation for those living in the city.
Having previously donated over $25,000 worth of furniture to the YWCA women's shelter, Springle notes his goal in everything he does is to try to help those around him.
The team is made up of 12 other local realtors who have banded together to raise nearly $3,000 with just over a month to go until the charity match on Oct. 25 at RIM Park in Waterloo.
There are currently 18 teams from around the region that will compete in a tournament-style play. Their goal is to raise a combined $350,000; all of them together have raised a total of $76,965.85.
The event will also see former pros lace up and hit the ice and compete against players like Springle who have had a love for the game since they were young.
"I played competitively when I was a young kid and then there was about a 25-year gap. I haven't really skated in the past four years so I know I'll need some practice," he said. "There are going to be a lot of guys out there that are pretty good, so I am hoping I can hold my own."
Events like these are the perfect way to bring the community together and get people moving for a good cause, added Springle.
"I am just looking forward to playing and being able to give back. There are so many people out there who have nothing and if we as a community can pitch in and help, then I think we should."
To find out how to support Springle in his journey and donate to his cause, please go to his donation page for more information.
