The FHHA Foundation
In 1997, the Forest Hill Hockey Association (FHHA) Foundation was born out of a shared vision among four passionate leaders of the FHHA: Jim (Jimmy) Cooper, Glenn Farber, Jerry Berman, and Harold Cohen. The foundation has since added their newest member, Aaron Greenberg, the former President of the FHHA. This group of dedicated former presidents and treasurers, deeply committed to the values of community and giving back, met to bring Jimmy’s idea to life. Despite retiring as president, Jimmy remained an integral part of the FHHA, and he envisioned a way for the association to extend its reach beyond the hockey rink, supporting underprivileged youth throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
The FHHA Foundation was created with a simple yet powerful mission: to ensure that financial barriers would not prevent young people from participating in sports or other enriching activities. While the FHHA facilitated a vibrant hockey community in a well-to-do area, Jimmy, Glenn, Jerry, and Harold recognized that they had the opportunity to make a broader impact. Their plan was to conservatively invest any residual funds left after covering the association’s expenses and donate the income to organizations dedicated to helping less privileged youth.
Under their careful stewardship, the Foundation began with a modest initial fund of $50,000. Through prudent investment and a dedication to its mission, the fund has since grown to $100,000, allowing the FHHA Foundation to significantly expand its philanthropic efforts. Organizations like the Star Fresh Air Fund, Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, Hockey for Everyone, the Bloorview Foundation, and many others have benefitted from the Foundation's support, helping countless young people pursue their passions and dreams.
Jimmy Cooper, whose legacy still echoes in the heart of the FHHA, remained deeply involved with the Foundation until his passing. A beloved figure in the community, E.J. Jimmy was a regular presence at the rink, always eager to connect with players and staff. His memory is honoured through the Cooper Cup, FHHA’s highest honour. The Cooper Cup is awarded annually to the recipient in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the league over an extended period of time. Today, the Foundation proudly continues Jimmy’s work, led by Harold, Glenn, Jerry, and Aaron. The team’s commitment has remained unwavering, meeting annually to review the Foundation’s efforts and explore new ways to support those in need.
The FHHA Foundation’s contributions have left a lasting mark on the community, with organizations like Bloorview proudly displaying plaques of gratitude. Through its continued growth and investment, the Foundation stands as a symbol of the FHHA’s broader commitment to extending the values of pride, loyalty, and honour beyond hockey. Together, we are proud of the work we’ve done and look forward to creating even more opportunities for those less fortunate.
For more information on how to get involved, please reach out to us at info@fhha.org.
