Cities involved
Vancouver
Vancouver was the first city to host H.E.R.O.S., a program using the game of hockey to help build the self–esteem and life skills of at–risk youth.
Created in 2000 by a non–profit, privately funded organization, the program is located in the city's Downtown Eastside. It's a neighbourhood noted for being one of the poorest and most crime–ridden districts in Canada.
Many of these children come from single–parent, aboriginal or new immigrant families. They struggle to survive while living well below the poverty line.
Children growing up in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside may walk past crack houses along sidewalks littered with syringes and condoms, while prostitutes service clients in alleyways. These children cross the road to face yet another barrage of street–corner bullying from competing gangs – all before starting their school day.
It takes a lot of effort and courage to walk on the right side of the street in the Downtown Eastside. That's where H.E.R.O.S. comes in – offering kids a fun, supportive educational program that helps them make the right choices in life.
