The HOGS, or Hockey Old Guys as they comically refer to themselves, have been friends and sports enthusiasts for decades. At 63 years old, Howard Waugh is the youngest on an eclectic team of different ages, interests, and backgrounds – all brought together by two shared commonalities: hockey and community. “Our core group has been playing hockey since the 1970s,” Howard shares. “Ironically, I’m also the newcomer. I laugh because I’ve been playing with these guys now for 30 years but most have been playing together for 50 years now. Believe it or not, our oldest teammate is 85 years old!”

Having strong community ties and a solid support system has always been the glue that binds The HOGS. Howard elaborates, “Our meaning of community is that no matter what, you always have each other’s backs. You’re all there for each other – and you come to rely on each other during the hard times and the good.”

This community-first mentality is what lead them to discover RMH BC 5 years ago, after a close friend’s son developed brain cancer. Although he is now cancer free, “a true blessing”, The HOGS as a team recognized that many families didn’t share the same reality. “We were all so appreciative of his recovery, and for his continued health since, but we recognized that this isn’t the case with many families. RMH BC really is essential. We’ve all been fortunate to have had years of friendship, relatively good health throughout our lives, and memorable experiences. To think there are children with diseases or ailments who may never get to experience the joy we’ve had together…it’s heartbreaking. We knew we had to do something to help.”

Howard continues: “We thought as a group, how can we make a difference? How can the little money we raise do the most amount of good and have the biggest impact? We were all in agreement, our funds could best used to help the kids and families who rely on RMH BC when they’re far from home receiving treatment.”

The HOGS decided to donate their fundraising efforts to RMH BC to help families 5 years ago, donating the proceeds of their annual fundraisers: an annual Fishing Derby and the Calcutta at their annual golf tournament, the Don Unger Memorial, in memory of friend who passed in their community. “Usually, half of the overall pot goes to charity, this year ALL the money earned was put back into the pot and was donated,” Howard happily shares.

Feeling motivated, the HOGS decided to celebrate five years of support by leveling up their giving and are the lead donors to the Together for Families Matching Fund. “This last year has been especially hard for non-profits because of COVID-19,” Howard begins. “We believe you should take advantage of any opportunity to do good – it’s so important, now more than ever. For many, many years we’ve taken advantage of matching funds where donations have double the impact. In the past, it’s always been others who have led the match, but this time we get to be in that position. It brings us so much happiness thinking that our story may inspire somebody, even just one person, to contribute to a new extent and make a gift they wouldn’t normally make to help families who truly need it. It’s just fantastic!”

The HOGS main goal is a simple one: They just want to spread joy – and all are welcome to join them. “If you can do something to improve the quality of a sick child, or their families’ lives, that’s incredibly special and impactful, says Howard. “Anything that could bring a smile to a child’s face, or a family members face, that could momentarily forget their hardships. That’s a true gift.” The HOGS encourage everyone to get involved in their match, whatever level of support is meaningful to them. “We all can contribute in one way or another to make other people’s lives better, and in our busy lives we need to step back and take the time from time to think about how we can accomplish that,” Howard states. “So, let’s start now, and have double the impact, together.”

All of the HOGS incredible fundraising efforts are done in memory of their former members: Don Unger, Dave Bensted, Boyd Lamenda, Al Huggins, Gord Kelly and Dave Worthington