Canadian hockey fundraiser started with C$10,000, raised over C$1m in a decade

A hockey tournament, named "Let's Body Check Cancer," was inspired by a family's cancer diagnosis and has grown into a decade-long fundraising effort, raising over C$1 million. The initiative started from a simple idea among five friends who had experienced cancer within their families. They combined their love for hockey with a fundraising goal, launching the tournament in 2015.

The first year saw eight teams participate, raising C$10,000. The event grew through word of mouth and the support of the hockey community, with each year bringing more participation and greater fundraising momentum. The tournament remains deeply personal, keeping the memory of Aidan, who passed away at 10, at its core, and highlights the power of sports communities in bringing people together for a cause.