John Tavares Foundation donates 1,500 backpacks to TCHC students
Two TCHC families met with hockey legend John Tavares as his foundation donated backpacks and school supplies to West region families.
Last month, two Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) families from the San Antonio Way community in West region got the chance of a lifetime to meet hockey legend and former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain, John Tavares.
Thanks to the generosity of the John Tavares Foundation, the families travelled to Barrie to have dinner with the Tavares family and receive backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year.
“I was very nervous, but it was really nice to meet John Tavares. He was very kind,” recalled Gabrielle Reyes, a youth who participated in the day’s events.
Another youth, Janessa Cole, was happy to participate with her mom and siblings. “My favourite part of the day was meeting and taking photos with him,” said Janessa. “I’ve never met a celebrity before."
Two families from the San Antonio Way community pose for photos with John and Aryne Tavares.
Donning Maple Leafs shirts, the families posed for photos and chatted with John and his wife Aryne.
“Having lived in community housing for over 35 years, I never got the opportunity to experience stuff like this,” said Joshua Reyes, Gabrielle’s father. “It means the world to be invited. Sharing these opportunities with my family is one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had.”
Aryne Tavares (centre) with TCHC tenants at Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint in Barrie, ON.
After dinner, the families were invited to watch the 2024 Boots and Hearts Barn Burner charity hockey game at Sadlon Arena. The annual celebrity game showcases some of the world’s best hockey players all coming together for one night to support local charities. For some attendees, it was their first time attending a hockey game.
With drinks and popcorn in hand, the youth cheered for Tavares as he dazzled the crowd on the ice.
From left to right: Janessa Cole, Gabrielle Reyes, Lucas Reyes, and Joshua Reyes at the 2024 Boots and Hearts Barn Burner charity hockey game.
This summer, the John Tavares Foundation donated 1,500 backpacks filled with essential back-to-school items for TCHC youth living in West region. The end of summer can be a stressful time for families, especially tenants on fixed incomes who may have a difficult time buying pencils, erasers, crayons, rulers, notebooks, and other supplies that children need in school.
“Backpacks are really important for my family especially with the cost of living skyrocketing as we head into the school season,” said Joanna Mercurio, Janessa’s mother.
The backpacks and school supplies were distributed to families throughout August through door-to-door initiatives and community events.
"These days, it’s not easy to afford everything that you want to provide for your kids,” shared Joshua. “Receiving a little bit of help from the John Tavares Foundation means the world.”
For more information on the John Tavares Foundation, visit johntavaresfoundation.org
