Help Us Build a Home for Hockey, Healing, & Community

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Help Us Build a Home for Hockey, Healing, & Community

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Hi, I’m Katie—mom, community advocate, and someone who believes deeply in the power of hockey to change lives.

We’re building something new on Vancouver Island:
A community hockey facility that’s more than just a rink—it’s a place where every kid belongs.


What We’re Creating:

South Island Youth Hockey (SIYH) will run exciting leagues, camps, and skills programs year-round.
We’re starting with a hard floor facility—ideal for ball hockey, off-ice training, mentorship, and inclusive programming.
Our long-term vision is to expand into a full-scale hockey facility that includes ice, creating a permanent home for Island ice hockey and ball hockey.

A portion of all proceeds from SIYH will go toward ICE Society, a nonprofit society that runs trauma-informed programs, sponsorships, and community initiatives for youth and families in need.

Together, we’re building something sustainable—where sport meets support, and every kid has a chance to play.


❤️ A Personal Note

I’ve spent my life committed to getting my kids through sport—even when it was hard financially or emotionally. We’ve leaned on community support more than once, and I’ll never forget what that meant to us.

Now, I want to give back—and then some.

This facility is about more than hockey.
It’s about building connection, confidence, and a positive path forward—for kids, families, and this city.

We will:
• Employ youth mentors, coaches, and community builders
• Offer free access to programs for family support agencies, neurodivergent youth, and those experiencing trauma or loss
• Create a space for competitive players to grow their skills and learn from each other
• Host tournaments, camps, and drop-ins that bring the whole community together


Why We Need Your Help:

Launching a facility takes community support. We’re raising funds to help cover:
• Flooring & safety equipment
• Facility lease deposit and permits
• Insurance and startup costs
• Gear and league equipment
• Registration and program development


Ways to Contribute:

Donate here on GoFundMe
Every dollar helps us get closer to building this safe, inclusive space for Island families.

Prefer to e-transfer?
Send donations to: (see SIYH website www.southislandyouthhockey.com)
(Memo: Facility Fund – Please include your email if you’d like an update!)


Business Sponsorship or Investment

We are also welcoming:
• Business sponsors (starting at $250)
• Community partnerships
• Private investors interested in supporting a mission-driven, sustainable facility

Sponsorships include logo recognition, naming opportunities, and ongoing promotion.
If you’re interested in investing or sponsoring, please contact me directly:


✍️ Sign the Petition

We’re also asking the City of Victoria and surrounding municipalities to support this effort.

Show your support by signing the petition so we can demonstrate community need:



Your Impact:

You’ll be helping us:
• Launch inclusive youth leagues and skill development programs
• Provide access to sport for families in need
• Support ICE Society’s trauma-informed initiatives
• Lay the foundation for a future ice facility
• Keep youth in this city active, mentored, and inspired

We know times are tough. But together, we can create a space where kids find belonging, mentorship, challenge, and joy.

This is more than a hockey facility.
It’s a home for healing, growth, and community.

Thank you for believing in this vision. Let’s build it together.

Please also stay tuned for the business plans and developments!

Organizer

Katie Bernardo
Organizer
Victoria, BC

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