Community Involvement
Jim, along with Trent Hunter of the LA Kings and Kris Russell of the St. Louis Blues, host an annual Young Guns Charity Golf Tournament at Alberta Springs Golf Course in Red Deer, Alberta. Ryan Smyth of the Edmonton Oilers is one of the tournaments founding members. Along with many other members of the Smith family, Ryan's mother, Dixie, remains extremely active on the tournaments Board of Directors and plays a key roll in the continuing success of the annual event. The money raised from the tournament is divided between many local charities, including The Stollery Children's Hospital, The Lending Cupboard, The Schizophrenia Society of Alberta, Shalom Counseling Center, The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Society and Red Deer Minor Hockey.
In 2010 Jim was named Man of the Year by the Phoenix Coyotes for his dedication, commitment and passion for bettering the lives of those in the community during his first season as a member of the Coyotes. Vandermeer and his wife Stefanie participated in many community initiatives including adopting a class at Children First Academy, delivering food and blankets to Watkins Homeless Shelter and supporting the Teammates for Kids Foundation. Vandermeer’s charitable endeavors are an example of what it means to wholeheartedly support those who are less fortunate. Vandermeer has served as a role model to both his teammates and the community.
In lieu of gifts at their 2009 nuptials, Jim and his Wife invited guests to donate to their favorite charity, Garth Brooks' Teammates For Kids Foundation. At the time Jim was playing with the Calgary Flames (he was traded to Phoenix less than a week before tying the knot) and the couple also invited guests to donate to another charity close to their hearts, The Calgary Flames Foundation For Life.
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