The Vote Is In – OPDL Teams Choose SickKids as the Central Charity for the 2024 Gary Miller Charity Shield
For the first time in the history of the event, a central charity has been chosen to be the beneficiary of 50 per cent of the funds raised over the course of the event weekend.
Play. Inspire. Unite.
Established in 2015, the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) Gary Miller Charity Shield has become a cornerstone event in Ontario Soccer's yearly calendar, symbolizing the organization's commitment to community impact. Over the years, the tournament has raised a substantial sum of around $64,000 - which has been distributed among charities near and dear to the hearts of our Membership.
In events prior to 2024, the total fundraising ‘pot’ was split between the six winning teams to benefit six unique team-chosen charities. New in 2024, winning teams will still choose their designated charity, but there will also be a ’50 per cent central charity’ component to enhance the fundraising opportunity.
When asked about the change, Johnny Misley, CEO of Ontario Soccer shares that,
Choosing a central charity makes abundant sense, and will allow our OPDL family to really rally behind a charity. This designation will allow more runway and promotion in the days and weeks leading up to the competition. We can’t wait to work with SickKids to raise more money than ever before.
Vaughan Soccer Club presenting thieir donation cheque from the 2023 OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield to Sick Kids.
Markham FC presenting their donation cheque from the 2023 OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield to Sick Kids
Vaughan Azzurri presenting thieir donation cheque from the 2017 OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield to Sick Kids.
The entire League (close to 200 teams) was polled by sharing a list of 10 charities, and SickKids came out on top, thus becoming the inaugural central charity of the OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield.
As for the remaining 50 per cent of funds raised, similar to years past, the funds will be split amongst the winning eight teams and directed to their charity of choice. Those charities are declared prior to the competition and made public in the week leading up to the event. This means the spirit of each team having direct impact on their own charity choice will still be incorporated.
getting involved
Before and during the event, there are many opportunities for people to get involved. There is a Silent Auction with many one-of-a-kind items including a signed Canadian Women’s National Team jersey and signed Men’s National Team jersey. The auction can be accessed online prior to the event, and then live at the event. Personal donations can also be made online via the opdl.ca website at opdl.ca/gmcharityshield.
Every dollar accumulated through the event (gate fees, silent auction, etc.) is donated to Ontario charities, as chosen by the winning teams in each match, with 50 per cent of all proceeds going directly to SickKids.
SickKids Foundation is honoured to be the central beneficiary of Ontario Soccer’s Gary Miller Charity Shield this year. This collaboration represents a powerful synergy between our organizations, united by a common goal to support the health and well-being of children. The incredible philanthropic efforts from community groups like Ontario Soccer further enables SickKids' mission of revolutionizing pediatric care, so that the hospital can diagnose faster, treat smarter, and predict better. We are so grateful for organizations like Ontario Soccer for their ongoing support and for helping SickKids Heal the Future,” said Shannon Griffin, Associate, Community Partnerships at SickKids Foundation.
Corporate social responsibility lies at the core of Ontario Soccer's mission. Through strategic partnerships, community outreach programs, and initiatives like the OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield, Ontario Soccer strives to create positive change in our communities through meaningful action and engagement.
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Get Ready for the Charity Shield Finals!
10 Years of OPDL culminates with the 2024 Gary Miller Charity Shield Provincial Championship.
With close to 200 teams, over 2200 games, and stretching the full length of the 401, the Ontario Player Development League season will conclude at the 2024 Gary Miller Charity Shield on October 26-27 in Vaughan, Ontario. Kicking off in April of 2024, this historic 10th season did not disappoint. Full of the talent and intensity one might expect from this level of teams, the many games of the season showcased the immense talent of these young athletes.
Match Centre
To stay up-to-date on all coverage of the 2024 Gary Miller Charity Shield Finals, please be sure to consult, and periodically revisit, the competition’s Match Centre on ontariosoccer.net and opdl.ca, once available following the conclusion of the October 19-20 Semi-Finals.
Ontario Soccer Match Centre’s are a central hub for major competitions where you can find in-depth coverage including game-recap articles, photo albums, highlight packs, links to the livestream broadcasts, and more.
As well, be sure to follow Ontario Soccer’s various social media channels - including our OPDL dedicated Instagram account - as we share tons of content and bring the fun online.
Media Inquiries
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Phone: (905) 264-9390 x255