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Helijet contributes to Snuneymuxw Strong Mini-Pitch program

In an expansion of its long-term partnership with Hope and Health, Helijet has contributed to the “Snuneymuxw Strong” Mini-Pitch recently installed within the community. With a longstanding history of supporting Hope and Health’s sport for social impact efforts, and with its Nanaimo terminal located on the unceded ancestral territory of the Snuneymuxw Nation, Helijet is the fourth core contributing partner to the “Be the Change” Mini-Pitch initiative alongside the Vancouver Whitecaps, Kw’umut Lelum and Scotiabank.

Helijet explains Snuneymuxw are a vibrant First Nation of the Coast Salish People, residing in the centre of Coast Salish territory on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, with villages on the Fraser River and waterways in the Gulf Islands. Snuneymuxw territory, explains Helijet, encompasses one of the most productive and resource rich areas at the heart of the Salish Sea.

“This Mini-Pitch will be an inspiring space to engage youth in the beautiful game,” said Mike Wyse, Snuneymuxw Chief. “This will accelerate their development with the quality coaching and programming wrapped around the pitch. This supports our community wellness vision for our youth.”

By 2026, the “Be the Change” Mini-Pitch Initiative will see 13 mini pitches across communities providing innovative, high quality and inspiring play environments to continue to engage Indigenous youth (and all ages) in the game and to develop soccer technical skills, along with activating a “5V5 Champions” League across nations. The pitches are being built in partnership with Musco Mini-Pitch System modular sports solution, with the site prep supported by Binnie and Knox Contracting.

“Partnering with Hope and Health to support the Snuneymuxw Strong Mini-Pitch, and other initiatives, is one way for Helijet to literally “Be the Change” while working within the communities we serve on a grass-roots level,” says Helijet’s Director of Marketing, Jay Minter. “We look forward to continuing our work and learning alongside the Hope and Health team.”

The Hope and Health movement utilizes the game of soccer and mentorship to inspire hope, as well as improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and life conditions for Indigenous children and youth.

“Helijet has been an incredible partner providing the most time efficient and scenic transport of our people, kit and equipment back and forth over the Salish Sea and by contributing to and amplifying Hope and Health’s sport for social impact efforts,” said Hope and Health CEO Deana Gill, “The Mini-Pitch contribution is an excellent example of the many ways Helijet acts on their commitment to making a difference on the ground – pun intended! We are extremely grateful for their support to help us make the Snuneymuxw Mini-Pitch happen.”