Canucks' Sedin twins start local charity benefiting children's health and family wellness

There is no question that Daniel and Henrik Sedin have been some of the most charitable players to don a Canucks jersey – and they have decided to take their work to a whole new level.

On Saturday, the twins were joined with their wives to announce the establishment of the Sedin Family Foundation – a charity that will work with local B.C. schools, community groups and social service agencies to make a difference for children and families in health, education and family wellness.

”We love living and playing hockey in Vancouver. Johanna and I are very happy to help the kids and families of British Columbia through our new Foundation,” said Henrik Sedin.

“Community centres and schools are the heart of a community,” said Daniel Sedin. ”Marinette and I hope that our family’s contribution will provide many hours of fun and healthy activity for the community.”

Upon its inauguration, the Foundation provided community gifts that will benefit youth and families in the Fraser Valley.

This includes a new playground at Kent Elementary School, supplying equipment for the new gymnasium at Kent Community Recreation and Cultural Centre, and providing mountain bikes for the Mission Possible Cycling Program.

“The positive impact that Henrik and Daniel and their families have had on our students and our entire community by building this playground is incredible,” said Kent Elementary School principal, Stan Watchorn. “This playground will be a gathering place for children and families in our community for many years to come.”

“We cannot thank the Sedin Family Foundation enough for their generosity and investment in our community,” said Agassiz mayor John van Laerhoven.

The Sedin twins, now 33 years old, began their professional hockey careers in Sweden before being drafted by the Canucks in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. They have been spent the past fifteen years – their entire NHL career to date – in Vancouver.

In the fall of 2013, both Daniel and Henrik signed matching four-year, $28-million contract extensions to play four more years with the Canucks.

Kids will be kids. The playground was in full swing long before the ribbon was cut! #whywaittohavefun pic.twitter.com/j6xGyKLtkT

— SedinFamilyFdn (@SedinFamilyFdn) September 14, 2014

Thank you Agassiz! #communityisateamsport pic.twitter.com/Tr1tMCMB5P

— SedinFamilyFdn (@SedinFamilyFdn) September 14, 2014

Feature Image: Vancouver Canucks