The project that started it all for Treadstone Sports Agency… as of November 16th has officially launched! Our dear friend Colton Parayko, defenseman and alternate captain of the St. Louis Blues, after almost two years of planning and pivoting, announced the launch of his personal Foundation, Project 55 Foundation presented by Golden Oak Lending.
Project 55 Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to bring comfort and relief to hospitalized children and their families by alleviating their emotional, physical and financial burdens. In its inaugural year, Project 55 will support the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis and Blues for Kids. Each of these beneficiaries are dedicated to enhancing the lives of both the children and their families in their battles with hospitalization.
“I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a parent and having to watch your child go through hospital treatment. Or to be a kid who only knows life within the confines of the hospital,” remarks Colton, “My mom and sisters are all in the medical field, and they see this every day. Through their stories and dedication to their patients, I saw an opportunity to also try to make a difference.” Colton elaborates in explaining how his friendship with Laila Anderson, a story that pulled at the heart strings of the hockey world during the 2019 Blues Stanley Cup win has been an inspiration for starting the Foundation. “Laila and I continue to stay in touch. It’s a story that resonated with the hockey community and it helped me realize that I have an opportunity to help so many others. Through the Project 55 Foundation, I want to continue to make that kind of impact. I want to help as many kids as I can.”
“Laila and I continue to stay in touch. It’s a story that resonated with the hockey community and it helped me realize that I have an opportunity to help so many others. Through the Project 55 Foundation, I want to continue to make that kind of impact. I want to help as many kids as I can.”
Of course this project couldn’t have been accomplished without the help of our many sponsors. We have been beyond fortunate to have Golden Oak Lending act as our Presenting Sponsor of Project 55. James Hawkins, President of Golden Oak Lending, feels honoured to be a part of Project 55 and elaborates that “the emotional and financial stress that comes with the illness of a child is something no family should face alone. This is why Golden Oak has rallied behind Project 55 and their work to provide assistance, hope, and support at a time when these families need it most. We look forward to seeing the tremendous impact Project 55 will have on families within our community for years to come.”
Trish Lollo, President of St. Louis Children’s Hosptial, one of three incredible beneficiaries this year, also remarks,
“as valuable as [Colton] is to the Blues’ success on the ice, he is every bit as valuable to our community in the way he leverages his celebrity status for good. St. Louis Children’s Hospital – and the mission we serve – is better for having a friend like Colton Parayko.”
Although there were several pivot points along the road, particularly fighting the uphill battle of the global pandemic, ever-changing restrictions and endless uncertainty, we are thrilled to finally be able to hit the ground running with the launch of the Foundation. On the heels of Colton’s 8-year extension in St. Louis, we look forward to the immense impact that this new project can make not only in the St. Louis community, but also back home in St. Albert, Alberta. A huge thank you goes out to our sponsors, presenting sponsor Golden Oak Lending, as well as JF Electric and Forward Level Marketing, who made it possible to have this project come to life. We also are so proud to support our beneficiaries, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis and Blues for Kids.
For those interested in donating, or for more information on ways to be involved, please check out our website: www.project-55.com. For media inquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact Laurenne Mercier at lmercier@treadstonesports.com