Brantford, ON (Jan. 30, 2014) – On Friday, January 24, The Cowan Foundation presented a cheque for $250,000 in support of the Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition to Chris Friel, Mayor of Brantford; Mike Woodburn, Chair of the Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition; and Sandy Jackson, Director of Recreation at the City of Brantford.
The presentation took place at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre and Sir Walter Gretzky was on hand to share incredible stories of hockey history from the eyes of hockey’s most famous dad. Members of the Brantford Church Hockey League also participated in the event, taking part in the cheque presentation and a puck drop ceremony that opened the Church Hockey Annual Tournament. During the donation celebration, Wayne Gretzky artifacts were on display as a backdrop and a taste of what is to come when the Sports Hall is completed later in 2014.
“The Cowan Foundation is proud to support the Sports Hall of Recognition, a community focal point for recreation, sport and healthy living in Brantford and the surrounding areas,” explained Bob Herron, Branch Manager, Brantford Office, Cowan Insurance Group. “Donating $250,000 to this outstanding facility aligns with our Foundation’s goals focused on youth, health and wellness – while at the same time provides an opportunity to contribute to a project that matters to local residents, organizations and businesses, many of which are clients of Cowan Insurance Group or Frank Cowan Company.”
“A donation such as the generous contribution from The Cowan Foundation verifies how much pride the community and organizations have in local athletes and sport builders,” said Sandy Jackson, Director of Recreation. “Brantford’s strong sports history and unusual number of GREAT athletes like Wayne Gretzky offers an obvious opportunity to celebrate, and what better way than through the Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition.”
Chair of the Sports Hall of Recognition Executive Committee Mike Woodburn and Fundraising Chair Ron Finucan were honoured to accept the cheque on behalf of the Committee. “Thirty years ago the Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition was created to recognize the great achievements of our local sports athletes, builders and teams,” said Mr. Woodburn. “Over the years many great individuals and teams have been inducted. Today we are honoured to add the Cowan Foundation name to the Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition. On behalf of the entire committee we expresses our gratitude for not only what you have done for the new Sports Hall but for what you have done for youth at risk, promoting youth excellence and for making many communities better! We thank you.”
Pictured (back row, left-to-right): Ron Finucan, Fundraising Chair, Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition; Sandy Jackson, Director of Recreation, City of Brantford; Kim Warren-Skinner, Administrative Assistant, City of Brantford; Sir Walter Gretzky; Mayor Friel, City of Brantford; Bob Herron, Branch Manager, Brantford Office, Cowan Insurance Group; Steve Smith, Regional Account Manager, Frank Cowan Company; Mike Woodburn, Chair, Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition.
Wayne Gretzky memorabilia on display in the future home of the Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition
About the Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition
The Sports Hall is celebrating its 30th year of operation and will enjoy its most exciting year to date as plans for the new Sports Hall are finalized and implemented. Dedicated, expanded space will provide a significant opportunity to build on its rich history and honour current and future athletes for their dedication, perseverance and commitment and for aspiring athletes to achieve greatness in their sport.
The new Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition will boast:
- Recognition Display of Inductees;
- Honour Roll Wall of Recognition;
- Increased exhibit space to showcase memorabilia;
- Interactive computer zones;
- Mini theatre.
About The Cowan Foundation
The Cowan Foundation was started in 1995 in honour of Frank Cowan, the founder of Cowan Insurance Group and Frank Cowan Company. The Foundation is sustained by the ongoing success of the Princeton Holdings group of companies including Cowan Insurance Group, Frank Cowan Company, The Guarantee Company of North America and Millennium Credit Risk Management. Together they provide insurance risk management products and services for individuals, businesses, organizations and public entities as well as assist employers with their group benefits, retirement, health and disability management plans. The goal of The Cowan Foundation is to make a positive difference in the lives of Canadians and the broader well-being of our communities.
