A 12-Year-Old Dreams Come True with Matthew Milne Co-Founder of Toques From the Heart

2025-11-11

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What creative idea did you have as a kid that could actually be a business today?.For Matt McNeil, it all started with a hockey sock on his head and a dream to create something that mattered. Dragons Den had Matt glued to the TV watching people pitch their ideas. Little did he know he would be one of those people. not on Dragons Den, but some who brings ideas to life! Years later, that moment became Toques From The Heart, a company turning upcycled hockey socks into purpose-driven...

What creative idea did you have as a kid that could actually be a business today?.

For Matt McNeil, it all started with a hockey sock on his head and a dream to create something that mattered. Dragons Den had Matt glued to the TV watching people pitch their ideas. Little did he know he would be one of those people. not on Dragons Den, but some who brings ideas to life! Years later, that moment became Toques From The Heart, a company turning upcycled hockey socks into purpose-driven winter wear. For every toque sold, another is donated to a Canadian in need.

In this episode, Matt shares how his mom supported his creativity as boy and helped him start a business with very little upfront costs, how giving back became the company’s true north, and why his goal to donate 35,000 toques reflects more than just a number. It represents the 35,000 Canadians who experience homelessness each night.

We talk about building a business rooted in compassion, finding resourcefulness in unlikely places, and how every small act of kindness can grow into a movement.

🧢 Learn more: toquesfromtheheart.ca

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