Canucks' Baertschi donates money to charity after every goal he scores

Sven Baertschi is giving you an extra reason to cheer for him this season.

Every time the winger scores a goal for the Canucks this year, he’s donating $500 to HEROS (Hockey Education Reaching Out Society) through the Sven Scores for HEROS initiative. Baertschi already has five goals, meaning $2,500 has been donated to the volunteer-driven charity that uses hockey to teach life-skills and empower marginalized youth to date.

Our good friend and ambassador @Canucks @SvenBaertschi has pledged to donate $500 to @heroshockey for every goal he scores this year. Read more about his generosity: https://t.co/uhdKdO7zYT #SvenScoresForHEROS pic.twitter.com/AJk03xpThc

— HEROS Hockey (@heroshockey) November 10, 2017

“Knowing I’m able to make a difference for these kids is important to me,” Baertschi told Canucks reporter Derek Jory. “Being able to connect my career with helping them is even better.”

HEROS are provided financial assistance to pursue minor hockey, provided they stay in school. Weekly ice sessions, free equipment, coaching, and mentorship development are just some of the benefits that the charity gives young hockey players in nine cities across Canada.

Baertschi’s contributions will directly benefit the 100 boys and girls who participate in the program in Vancouver and Surrey. The area of focus for Sven Scores for HEROS includes transportation and nutrition, financial assistance for educational supports, and funding for career and vocational planning.

“I have loved my many years of involvement with HEROS, and I am really excited to be kicking off Sven Scores for HEROS,” said Baertschi, quoted on the charity’s website. “Every goal an NHL player scores is a dream come true, and the product of hard work, and contributes to the team’s success. These lessons are part of what I like to share with HEROS kids, and to be able to help a great charity at the same time in a city I am proud to play in, will make this an even more exciting season.

Baertschi first got involved with the charity in 2014, before he was traded by the Flames to Vancouver for a second round draft pick. He attends fundraisers, hosts kids at Canucks games, and skates with youngsters on Tuesday nights when the team’s busy schedule allows for it. He even visited a HEROS participant at the hospital.

Good news for the kids, as the 25-year-old looks poised to easily surpass his career bests in goals, assists, and points this season. Baertschi already has 12 points (5-7-12) in 17 games, and is a fixture on Vancouver’s top line alongside Bo Horvat.

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