Whether they’re organizing the Hockey Helps the Homeless Game Day event or exploring innovative ways to raise funds and awareness, Michele and Rob Way are dedicated to ending homelessness, ensuring that everyone in our community has a safe place to call home and the necessary support to thrive.
The annual event provides participants with an engaging hockey experience, playing alongside NHL alumni and Olympians, all while raising awareness for a crucial cause and offering a way to support local charity partners in the emergency shelter network, including Lutherwood’s Safe Haven Youth Services.
With a deep love for hockey and both Rob and their two sons having grown up playing the sport, joining the Hockey Helps the Homeless committee was a natural progression for Michele and Rob. Their involvement has become a cherished family tradition over the past decade.
Rob, who is now the National Board Chair for Hockey Helps the Homeless, has been serving as the local committee chair for 9 years. He takes the lead in guiding the event, while Michele works tirelessly to ensure its smooth operation. Their sons also actively take part by playing in the tournament and raising funds. Last year, the event donated over $300,000 to six shelters in the Waterloo Region and since its inception ten years ago, a total of $2,203,000 has been donated to the cause.
“The involvement of our local charity partners, including Lutherwood, is what inspires us and reminds us of the impact we’re making. It’s a significant reason why we return year after year,” Michele shared.
In addition to their efforts in fundraising and raising awareness for homelessness, Michele and Rob are avid supporters of various charitable causes and community projects. They strongly believe in giving back to their community.
“My dad was deeply involved in the community, and he instilled this value in me. I feel a responsibility to give back,” says Rob. They have passed down these values to their own sons, who now organize their own fundraising events and continue to participate in Hockey Helps the Homeless each year.
Beyond the event, Michele and Rob continue to support Lutherwood in any way they can. Recently, Rob, who is also the CEO of Swiftspace, generously assisted us in acquiring new office furniture to accommodate our organization’s growth. Offering their current office furniture at a significant discount, Rob also made a generous donation to help offset the purchase. “We’re just so grateful to be able to give back and to be part of this amazing community,”Rob concludes.
Their passion and dedication to giving back has undeniably made a positive impact in Waterloo Region and with their growing family, Rob and Michele’s inspiring example will continue to motivate future generations to embrace the value of community support.