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2h ago

Heated Rivalry Producers Launch Real‑Life Irina Foundation

The donor-advised fund will channel show-driven donations through established philanthropic vehicles to support access to organized sports, arts programs for LGBTQIA2S+ communities plus other underserved groups.

In Rachel Reid's books, fictional hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov create the Irina Foundation to raise money and awareness for mental illness.
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Overview

  • Accent Aigu Entertainment announced the Irina Foundation on the opening day of the 2026–27 NHL season as a real-world counterpart to the fictional charity in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers universe.
  • The foundation is set up as donor-advised funds in Canada and the U.S., using TD Wealth’s Private Giving Foundation in Canada and Panorama Global, a U.S. 501(c)(3), to manage donations and grants.
  • Kate Spade New York is the inaugural donor and men’s grooming brand Harry’s is an early supporter, with Accent Aigu saying the fund will direct contributions to existing nonprofits running qualifying sports and arts programs.
  • The name and mission deliberately echo the show’s storyline about fighting mental-health stigma through team and arts participation, and author Rachel Reid publicly welcomed the launch.
  • Filming for Heated Rivalry season two is underway with Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams returning, the show remains a driving force for fundraising after roughly $1.5 million raised with partners and fans, and the season is expected on Crave in spring 2027.