Cheryl Clark Access Fund

About Cheryl

Cheryl coached with VFIHA for over a decade on various teams, from U7/Tyke to U13/Peewee A to U18/Midget C. She passed away on August 16, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Her infectious positivity, genuine heart, and dedication to the things she loved impacted the lives of countless players and coaches.

She loved the psychological side of hockey, often working closely with goaltenders, and found great joy in seeing the players she coached grow and develop as individuals.

Her medical knowledge and calmness and quick witted humour in the face of trauma served her well in her double role as coach and safety person.

Her contributions to girls hockey in the Lower Mainland are immense, and she is extremely missed by her VFIHA family.

About the Access Fund

To honour Cheryl's many contributions to female hockey, VFIHA has created an Access Fund to help give girls in Vancouver the opportunity to play the sport she loved. Cheryl was passionate about keeping girls in sport without regard to their background, and this Access Fund helps make that happen

This Fund is aimed at players without adequate financial means, and gives them an opportunity to play with VFIHA.

The Fund is made up of contributions from:

• Members of the community
• Friends and colleagues of Cheryl
• VFIHA

Funds will be dispersed based on proven financial need, and the number of applications per year.  The Fund is meant to be supplementary and based on covering the shortfall from other financial support programs, such as Jump Start and A4K.

How to Apply

To get things started, please send an email to info@vfiha.com, asking to be considered for the Cheryl Clark Access Fund.

We'll reply, asking for:

• Financial information (to demonstrate need)
• Name and age of player
• Other programs you have applied for (Jump Start, A4K, etc.)
• Amount requested

Your financial information will be kept confidential, and will only be used to confirm financial need.

Your application to the Fund will be considered by a group of VFIHA Board Members, and decisions are final.

The best time to apply is in spring (when registration opens), however applications will be considered throughout the year.

How to Donate

We accept donations from individuals and corporate groups. Your donation will help break down financial barriers and help more young girls get involved with hockey.

We would love to publicize your donations to our membership and beyond as a way of saying thanks. However, we can also respect your wish to remain private if you choose.

The full amount of your donation will go towards the Access Fund, and there are no administration fees. VFIHA, as a non-profit society, will administer the Access Fund and ensure that donations go towards the players who need it most. Due to VFIHA not being a registered charity, we are unable to issue tax receipts.

To donate, please get in touch with us at info@vfiha.com and reference the Cheryl Clark Access Fund.