She is a recipient of Canada’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Canada, and has been inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Canada’s Walk of Fame, and the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.
Her commitment to giving back is reflected through her involvement in numerous charitable organizations, including Right to Play, Jumpstart, Project North, and KidSport, and through her founding of the Canadian Tire Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival, which mentors young athletes from around the world. Wickenheiser also holds several honorary degrees and a master’s in kinesiology from the University of Calgary, where she studied medicine.
“Meridian is proud to once again serve as the primary sponsor of the Grape Growers of Ontario’s Annual Celebrity Luncheon. This event is a cherished tradition that celebrates the dedication and innovation of Ontario’s grape growers and the vibrant communities they support. Our continued partnership reflects Meridian’s commitment to fostering growth and prosperity in the agri-food sector and across the province. We look forward to another inspiring afternoon recognizing the achievements of this vital industry,” stated Stephen Otten, Regional Vice-President, Business Banking, Meridian Credit Union.
“We are honoured to welcome Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser to the Grape Growers of Ontario Celebrity Luncheon on September 17th as we kick off the 2025 Grape and Wine Festival. Her remarkable achievements and commitment to leadership, community, and excellence make her an inspiring addition to this year’s celebration,” added Debbie Zimmerman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Grape Growers of Ontario.
The Grape Growers of Ontario represents over 500 actively producing grape-growing families in the province. Some 18,000 acres of vineyards are planted across the province’s three designated viticulture areas: Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore, Prince Edward County, and emerging regions.
The Grape Growers of Ontario’s Celebrity Luncheon will be held on September 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Club Roma in St. Catharines. Ticket order forms are available at www.grapegrowersofontario.com or by contacting the GGO Board office at (905) 688-0990 or via email at info@grapegrowersofontario.com.