SJHL sets up structure for trauma assistance program

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) announced today they are finding trusted organizations to assist in setting up the structure for the SJHL Assistance Program. Announced last week, the program aims to provide well-administered support to players, families and billets in overcoming the trauma from the Humboldt Broncos’ accident.


Today, the law firm Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer (BD &P), as well as leading accounting and consulting firm MNP, agreed to provide initial guidance on setting up the program. The assistance program has already received early funding support from Co-op, with 78 retail co-operatives and Federated Co-operatives Limited together donating more than $525,000. Other organizations and individuals have contributed $765,000 through SJHL.ca.


“In honour of those lost, and their families, we want to ensure that this program is created and structured so that players and their families get access to the support they need in a timely and responsible way,” said SJHL President Bill Chow. “You need respected partners to make that happen. With MNP’s and BD&P's guidance on setting up the program’s structure and administration, I know it will be able to help meet both immediate and long-term needs.”


“Burnet Duckwork & Palmer is grateful to be involved in helping establish the SJHL Assistance Program” said John Brussa Chairman of BD&P. “This program will be an important resource for those individuals and families affected by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy.”


Near-term, the SJHL is focusing the program so that support reaches all SJHL players, families and billets who are working through the trauma caused by the Humboldt Broncos’ accident. Because of the outpouring of generosity, there may be opportunities to extend the program’s reach in the long-term.


“Hockey is family—players, coaches, families, billets and communities are all connected. That’s why the SJHL Assistance Program is for all players, families and billets across the SJHL,” said Chow. “Looking forward, we want to use this program as a platform to support players, possibly even beyond this league, so they can be healthy, resilient and make a meaningful difference in their communities.”


The SJHL has also announced a joint effort with its official clothing supplier 22 Fresh to begin selling #HumboldtStrong t-shirts at Co-ops (and online through 22 Fresh), with proceeds going to the SJHL Assistance Program. More details on when the t-shirts will be available in stores will be provided soon. Updates on this initiative will be shared through SJHL.ca and @CoopCRS.


Individuals and organizations looking to donate to the SJHL Assistance Program can visit www.sjhl.ca/sjhlassistanceprogram.


(SJHL Press Release)