Sharks Foundation Celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander Month

Last month, the Sharks recognized Asian & Pacific Islander heritage by supporting AAPI non-profits, local organizations and community groups. The Sharks kicked off the A&PI campaign by celebrating Indian Heritage Group Night on April 19 during the Sharks 3-2 victory over the Blue Jackets.

To begin the evening, the NHL's first Indian player and former Shark Robin Bawa participated in a ceremonial puck drop. During the game, the Gurus of Dance performed on the ice and henna tattoo artists were on the concourse to provide complimentary henna to fans. After the game, fans came together for a post-game photo on the ice with Bawa.

On May 2, the Sharks Foundation launched its China Sharks Mystery Pucks fundraiser benefiting the
Chinese Historical Society of America
(CHSA) which resulted in a $5,000 donation to the non-profit. CHSA collects, preserves, and illuminates the history of Chinese in America by serving as a center for research, scholarship and learning to inspire a greater appreciation for, and knowledge of, their collective experience through exhibitions and public programs. From May 2-4, the Foundation held an auction that produced a $3,000 donation to support
Narika
, a non-profit that confronts domestic violence in South Asian American communities. Their mission is to promote women's independence, economic empowerment and well-being by helping domestic violence survivors with advocacy, support and education.
This season
Oakland Ice Center
began hosting weekly street hockey clinics at
Lincoln Square Recreation Center
. The program serves youth ages 6-12 and offers an accessible, low-cost option for them to participate in hockey programming. With Lincoln Square being located in Oakland's Chinatown, the program serves 95% Asian and Pacific Islander youth, and curriculum is centered around promoting diversity, inclusion and belonging in the sport of hockey. Click
here
to watch a recap video about the program shot during a May visit.

In total, the Sharks Foundation dedicated $8,000 and impacted 20,400 lives during Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.