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Community Corner

Darien Winter Club 'Charity Skate' Benefits Person-to-Person

Darien Winter Club Exceeds $50,000 in Total Giving to Person-to-Person in Ninth Annual ‘Charity Skate’

Proceeds Benefit Person-to-Person Campership Program

On Saturday, May 31 the Darien Winter Club laced up their skates and picked up their hockey sticks to face-off in the Ninth Annual ‘Darien Winter Club Charity Skate’ at the Terry Conners Ice Rink in Stamford.

The ‘Charity Skate’ is a Darien Winter Club (DWC) tradition that gives members the chance to have a great time playing ice hockey while raising money for a worthy cause. Started by a longtime DWC member, Tony Oja, the early events benefitted the ‘Ice Hockey in Harlem’ charity. And over the years, other charities have been selected by DWC members.

Since 2006, Person-to-Person has been the designated charity for this fundraising event. John Shaker, organizer of the annual event, notes the generosity of the DWC membership and the venue at which they play. “The Terry Conners Ice Rink donates the ice time, so 100% of the donations from the players directly benefit the Campership Program. This year we raised $6,500 bringing the cumulative nine-year total to more than $50,000."

According to P2P Executive Director Ceci Maher, the ‘Charity Skate’ has funded a full summer of camp for an average of 10 children every year. “For these children, who are from low-income families in Stamford, summer camp is more than just fun and games. The Campership Program gives peace of mind to parents because their children are safe in an environment that is rich with stimulating activities and new experiences.”

Shaker says all player slots were filled for this year’s event. “DWC members have been very generous over the years. The ‘Charity Skate’ says a great deal about the character of the guys in the club.”

Visit p2phelps.org for more information about Person-to-Person and the Campership Program.

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About Darien Winter Club: The Darien Winter Club is an ice hockey club for men ages 30 and older from towns that include Darien, New Canaan, Stamford, Westport, Norwalk and Fairfield.  It has been in existence since 1953 when two Fairfield County men, who happened to be sitting next to each other on a plane during a business trip, decided they loved the game enough to form a hockey club. For more information about the Darien Winter Club, visit their website at darienwinterclub.org.

About Person-to-Person
: Person-to-Person, Inc. was established in 1968 to provide low-income individuals and families living in lower Fairfield County with basic emergency services. A volunteer-driven agency, Person-to-Person is committed to helping clients achieve self-sufficiency through practical help, advocacy, education and problem solving initiatives. Programs include Emergency Assistance, Campership and Scholarship. More information may be found on the web at p2pHelps.org or by calling (203) 655-0048.
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