Winnipeg, MB – Qualico’s 10th Annual Ball Hockey Tournament kicked off with more energy and goodwill than ever before. This beloved company tradition, which brings together Winnipeg employees, sponsors, and charitable organizations for two weeks of fun and friendly competition, culminated in an impressive feat: raising a record-breaking nearly $12,000 for our two selected charities.

For over a decade, Qualico’s employees and business partners have displayed remarkable commitment to their community through this event. Each team is sponsored by one business partner: Moen, Honeywell, Dulux, LP, Shaw Flooring, CertainTeed, Plygem, and Johns Mansville. Throughout the tournament, volunteers set up a canteen for employees where all proceeds are donated. At the end of the tournament, Qualico matches all the money donated by sponsors and raised by the canteen. At the end, the first and second-place teams get to choose the organization the money is donated to.

“Greater participation leads to more teams and, ultimately, a larger contribution,” said Kyle Holodryga, Manager, Corporate Purchasing, Qualico Corporate. “This year, we achieved our highest participation ever with over 80 players and volunteers. It’s amazing to see so many employees from multiple business units and offices come together for two weeks—without their participation, none of this would be possible.”

The tournament not only brought unprecedented participation but also a few exciting twists to mark its special 10th Annual celebration, including game-day gift card draws and generously donated swag items from tournament sponsors.

During the championship game, the stakes were exceptionally high as Team Honeywell battled Team Shaw. In the end, it was Team Honeywell who ultimately took home the title with the final goal to win it 4-3.

Their moment of glory also earned them the opportunity to direct their share of the fundraising pot, just over $7,000, to their chosen non-profit organization, Gift of Love & Hope. As the runner-up, Team Shaw’s outstanding efforts did not go unnoticed. They secured just over $4,500 for their chosen charity,  CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. The opportunity to determine where the winning funds are allocated was a deeply personal decision for the winning players, adding a special element to the teams’ friendly rivalry.

For the Gift of Love & Hope, a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting Manitobans undergoing fertility treatments, this donation is transformative.

“First and foremost, it allows us to continue supporting Manitobans who need financial assistance for fertility treatments,” said Anna Almojuela, Spokesperson and Public Relations Lead, Gift of Love & Hope. “Fertility treatments, especially IVF, can range anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000—and most people simply don’t have that lying around. This donation means we’ll be able to open our next grant cycle sooner, and possibly even award more than one recipient this time.”

Similarly, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation expressed their gratitude for being part of this incredible initiative.

“We’re just incredibly grateful for the way that this community comes together and does this fundraising,” said Sherelle Kwan, Manager of Community Events and Development, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. “I think it’s a real testament to the strength of corporate culture when you can have a lot of fun, and you allow your colleagues and each other to choose charities that are so deeply personal to them.”

Over the years, the tournament has evolved into more than just fun and exercise. It has become a powerful vehicle for employee engagement, culture building, and community fundraising at Qualico, with employees and sponsors alike eager to outdo themselves year after year.

As Kyle noted, “This event proves that when we come together as a team, we can achieve something remarkable—record-breaking participation, donations, and, ultimately, meaningful impacts in the communities we serve.”

Qualico’s Ball Hockey Tournament serves as a shining example of how corporate initiatives can go beyond the boardroom and truly transform communities. Here’s to another decade of teamwork, sportsmanship, and giving back.