Toronto, ON - Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, owners and operators of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Marlies, are on a two-week long house-build in support of Habitat for Humanity Toronto. On Thursday, MLSE staff was joined by an All-Star lineup from their sports teams, including:
• Andrew Boyens, player, Toronto FC
• Wendel Clark, alumni, Toronto Maple Leafs
• Bryan Colangelo, president and general manager, Toronto Raptors
• Maurizio Gherardini, vice-president and assistant general manager, Toronto Raptors
• Greg Gilbert, head coach, Toronto Marlies
• Joey Graham, player, Toronto Raptors
• Mo Johnston, head coach, Toronto FC
• Sam Mitchell, head coach, Toronto Raptors
• Ronnie O'Brien, player, Toronto FC
• Darryl Sittler, alumni and hall of famer, Toronto Maple Leafs
• Darcy Tucker, player, Toronto Maple Leafs
• Kyle Wellwood, player Toronto Maple Leafs
• Jeremy Williams, player, Toronto Marlies
"The MLSE Habitat for Humanity Build is a great example of our company's commitment to being leaders in our community and another opportunity that enables our employees and teams to make a difference in the lives of others," said Richard Peddie, president and CEO of MLSE. "We're excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity on this build. This initiative serves as a foundation for a wonderful new community in Toronto that will bring hope to a local family and a neighbourhood."
Peddie added that each year team personnel devote thousands of personal hours, giving their time, passion and energy to support various charitable causes and support various Toronto communities in unique ways.
"We are so appreciative to the players and MLSE staff for giving themselves a 'time out' to come out and build with us. It takes guts to put down a hockey stick, soccer ball or basketball and pick-up a hammer to show you care about the community by helping to build a home for a family in need," said Habitat Toronto CEO Neil Hetherington.
Funded by the Leafs Fund and Raptors Foundation, the MLSE-built home is one of Habitat for Humanity Toronto's first Energy Star homes. It is part of a 19-home development, which when completed will see over 100 women, men and children move out of poverty housing into their own simple, decent and affordable homes.
About Habitat for Humanity Toronto
Habitat for Humanity Toronto is a non-profit, non-governmental, charitable organization dedicated to the eradication of substandard housing. Internationally, Habitat for Humanity starts construction on a new home every 21 minutes. To date, Habitat for Humanity has built over 225,000 homes in 100 countries.
About Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) is a privately held corporation that owns the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), the Toronto Raptors (NBA), the Toronto Marlies (AHL), Toronto FC (MLS), Air Canada Centre and two digital television channels - Leafs TV and Raptors NBA TV. MLSE also operates and manages events at BMO Field, Ricoh Coliseum, home of the Marlies, and General Motors Centre in Oshawa, home of the OHL's Oshawa Generals. Being exemplary leaders in the community forms the foundation of the company's values, and it is supported by MLSE's vision to win. Each year MLSE staff and team players devote thousands of hours to personal appearances in the community, donating their time and passion to many worthy causes. These appearances are made on behalf of the teams' charitable arms and departments which raise and disperse more than $2.5 million dollars annually to support charitable initiatives and programs.
About the Raptors Foundation
The Raptors Foundation is dedicated to assisting Ontario's registered charities that support youth programs and sports initiatives for at-risk children. It has been the number one foundation in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for money raised and disbursed during the past 12 years. Through community ties and with the help of corporate partners, donors, Raptors players and volunteers, the Raptors Foundation has successfully raised more than $15 million since 1995 and have reached out to more than 4,500 youth-at-risk charities.
About the Leafs Fund
The Leafs Fund is committed to responsible community leadership by providing children access to sports and recreation, and encouraging health and wellness in our community. The Leafs Fund raises more than $1 million dollars annually.
