A Month of Legacy, Community, and Learning Together
Black History Month is more than a moment, it’s a chance to listen, learn, and recognize the leaders who have shaped our communities in ways that continue to inspire us today. This year, we were reminded of that in the best way possible: through two incredible calls.
The first came from a Grade 8 teacher at Nashwaaksis Middle School, whose class writes letters to Willie O’Ree every year. Their words are full of admiration, gratitude, and excitement for a hometown hero who shattered barriers and changed hockey forever. For the second year in a row, we have the privilege of sending letters to Willie, each one stamped with his commemorative postage stamp.
It’s a small but powerful way to celebrate his legacy and make sure he knows just how much he means to our community.
The second call came from Colas Canada. This year, as they celebrated 60 years in Canada, they hosted their annual employee hockey tournament, bringing teams together from across the country for some friendly competition. But beyond the game, they wanted to give back.
Through 50/50 draws and other fundraising activities, they raised money for a local charity. And in honour of Black History Month, they made the incredible decision to donate every dollar to the Willie O’Ree Fund, a fund that supports the causes and communities that Willie has long championed. Even better? Colas matched the total, doubling the impact.
These moments mean so much to us. They remind us that honouring history isn’t just about looking back; it’s about carrying legacies forward, together. We are so grateful to the students, teachers, and Colas Canada for allowing us to be part of this.