Sue Heddle wins Canadian Realtors Care Award for youth hockey program

by REM Editorial Team

Sue Heddle has spent nearly a decade bringing youth together through a shared love of hockey, creating a space for connection, understanding and reconciliation.

The Oakville, Ont.-based agent with Century 21 Millier Real Estate Ltd. and founder of Hockey Cares launched the program in 2017, using the sport as a bridge between communities. For these efforts, Heddle received the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) Canadian Realtors Care Award 2026 on Tuesday in Ottawa.

Selected from 48 nominees, she was recognized for advancing reconciliation by creating opportunities for young people to connect across cultures.

“I knew that everyone had hockey arenas, and I knew that we could use hockey as a common language to bring youth together,” said Heddle in a statement.

Creating connection beyond the rink

Since its inception, Hockey Cares has brought together hundreds of youth aged 13 to 15 from communities including Oakville, Attawapiskat, Constance Lake First Nation, St. Catharines, Ont., and Kugaaruk, Nunavut through cultural exchanges.

Hockey Cares exchanges are delivered through a hockey camp, which begin with Indigenous youth travelling to southern Ontario, followed by a return visit to the northern partner community months later. Outside the rink, participants are immersed in the local culture, from excursions to meals and events.

To bring these exchanges to life, Heddle works alongside partners including True North Aid and Experiences Canada, supported by a volunteer committee.

“That reputation she’s built as a Realtor has really helped Hockey Cares,” said Lisa Mazzocato, Director of Operations at True North Aid. “Now she’s able to go back to those relationships she’s built, explain what this program is, and get them on board.”

Heddle’s focus on reconciliation grew from years of volunteer work and a deepening awareness of the disparities faced by many Northern Indigenous communities. She also pointed to the 2016 call to action by The Tragically Hip’s frontman, the late Gord Downie, as a lasting influence.

“All these kids I feel are my kids,” said Heddle. “So, when I hear that they are thriving, that they’re doing well, that they had a goal and they’ve achieved that goal, it makes me very proud.”