Giving back for a greater cause

(Scott Templeton – coach second from left)

WJHA volunteers make a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of Winnipeg youth

The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) would not be able to support its 700 student athletes if it weren’t for the 70 volunteer coaches who share their time, knowledge and care with each student. Scott Templeton is one such dedicated volunteer who recently celebrated his 10^th anniversary with the WJHA.

“I instantly fell in love with the program,” said Templeton, who was introduced to the WJHA by a former teacher during his first year of university. While he originally planned to pursue a business degree, his time spent working with WJHA youth influenced him to switch to education.

“I love connecting with kids, and the WJHA provides a unique opportunity to connect with kids on a personal level,” said Templeton. “The group of students in the WJHA are extremely diverse and each have unique backgrounds, perspectives and stories.”

The WJHA is designed to increase school attendance and high school graduation rates in socially and economically challenged schools in Winnipeg. While learning to play hockey and being a part of a team environment, students also have access to after-school programming, tutoring, field trips, volunteer and job opportunities and various other supports. Coaches like Templeton often go above and beyond to support each student and their unique needs.

“While hockey is the glue that unites everyone in the program, it’s the little interactions and connections that make volunteering with the WJHA special,” said Templeton. “I always show up with a goal of making a new connection each day, whether that’s helping a student get through a difficult day or listening to a student’s story to make sure they’re heard and recognized.”

When Templeton first started working for the WJHA, he coached students from Bruce Middle School. Fast forward ten years, and Templeton is now a teacher at Bruce Middle School while volunteer coaching the WJHA U11 boys minor hockey team. The school’s connection to the program was a big reason Templeton wanted to work there.

“I was able to combine my love for teaching, coaching and volunteering,” said Templeton. “Coaching the U11 team has been an all-time favourite experience of mine. With it being the first year of hockey and skating for many of the boys, it was so special to watch them grow and improve throughout the season.”

While learning hockey is certainly a perk of the program, Templeton has seen first-hand the impact the WJHA has had on his students beyond what happens on the ice.

“There are countless stories of students that have made positive growth in their lives because of the WJHA,” said Templeton. “This is something they look forward to, benefit from and need in their lives. What might seem like nothing more than a weekly visit to the rink is so much more.”

For organizations or local businesses wanting to make a difference while strengthening their team culture, the WJHA offers a Living Philanthropy program where organizations adopt a classroom and run weekly on-ice sessions for the WJHA season. The program allows organizations to be involved in their community while supporting and mentoring underserved Winnipeg youth, often evolving into internship and job opportunities for WJHA students. Being skilled at hockey is not a prerequisite to volunteer with the WJHA – there are volunteering roles on and off the ice for anyone interested in making an impact on the lives of Winnipeg youth.

“This is a program about supporting youth through connection and celebration,” said Templeton. “The doors that the WJHA opens for youth are big, lasting and impactful.”

For more information about the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy’s Living Philanthropy program, visit truenorthyouthfoundation.com/living-philanthropy-program.