Let's Learn Hockey Program a success in Alliston

Thirty-four kids, who otherwise would not be playing hockey this fall, will now be hitting the ice.

The reason they'll be playing is they attended the weekend's Let's Learn Hockey Program (LLHP) at the New Tecumseth Recreation Complex at Alliston.

LLHP is an event sponsored by and put on by the Minor Hockey Foundation (MHF) - Ontario. MHF is a not-forprofit organization that helps underprivileged children get started in organized hockey. The participants come from single-parent homes, Children's Aid Societies, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Each year, MHF takes upwards to 40 children from across the province and hosts this weekend event. Since it started in 2003, LLHP has been held at Lindsay, South Point, Georgetown, Kingston, Sudbury and now Alliston.

"There are so many smiling faces, but there are a lot of tears too," commented MHF President John Archibald. "The kids are smiling because they think it's Christmas or something similar, while the parent or foster parent is crying because they know the child is getting something he or she otherwise would never have."

"Alliston was chosen this year because of the beautiful new complex and it has everything we need for a successful event," remarked MHF Secretary Jim Kinkley. "We need a facility with two ice pads and lots of dressing rooms. This venue was excellent for our needs."

"This is one of our most successful events so far," Archibald continued. "We couldn't have done it, though, without the tremendous support of this community. The Town of New Tecumseth came through big time with a large discount for us on the rental of the facility, and Donna Horan, president of New Tecumseth Minor Hockey Association, pledged that her organization would pick up the remaining cost. Alliston Rotary Club sponsored our breakfast and Maple Lodge Farms put on the lunch."

Ben Craig, event organizer, said getting enough volunteer coaches is sometimes a problem.

"I spoke to TNT vicepresident Ron Archibald and told him I needed 15 coaches and he delivered," Craig said. "We use the same OMHA trainers and coaches every year and those guys are so dedicated and so professional but we try to have one coach for every two children so we always have to pick up local coaches to fill the gap."

"Ten of the kids were local," Archibald added. "They were from New Tecumseth, Essa, Bradford, Everett, and Orangeville."

Foundation Board member David Rogers said it never ceases to amaze him how much gratification one gets from putting this event on every year.

"Over 200 children are now playing hockey in southern Ontario that, otherwise, would not be," he said.

Each child is fitted for a full set of new hockey equipment, including skates, which they get to keep. They are then given a full day's training of Hockey Canada's Initiation Program. Following the event, their first year's registration is paid to their local hockey association.

"I want to thank all the volunteers that took part," Archibald added. "The women in the kitchen, all the TNT people, and the facility staff. The staff was outstanding. They just couldn't do enough for us. I also want to thank the OMHA, which helps out in so many ways to make our event special."

Anyone wishing to donate to this worthwhile cause can do so by writing a cheque to Minor Hockey Foundation-Ontario, and sending it to Minor Hockey Foundation-Ontario, 25 Brodie Dr., Unit 3, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K7.