"Helping provide youth with an easily attainable means of entry into the sport of hockey is important for the Detroit Red Wings," said Kevin Brown, Director of Community Relations & Detroit Red Wings Foundation. "We're thrilled to partner with The Salvation Army on this unique program, introducing hundreds of kids to the game for many years to come."
The Salvation Army's STRIVE Hockey program was initially launched in 2009 through seed funding from the Detroit Red Wings Foundation. In 2017, the program will shift focus to support the growth of floor hockey throughout the region as a way for more youth to learn the basics of hockey before hitting the ice.
"Our Salvation Army youth programs are dedicated to providing healthy activities for children that teach them positive life lessons such as teamwork and responsibility while having fun and building lifelong friendships," said Major Russell Sjogren. "The Detroit Red Wings STRIVE program is sure to be a popular program that boys and girls will look forward to every season."
The program will be initially offered at four Salvation Army recreation centers in southeastern Michigan. Practice sessions take place each week, as well as travel games to participating recreation centers. Registration is extremely limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
To learn more about the program and register a child, please contact The Salvation Army participating recreation centers below:
FARMINGTON HILLS
Team Name: Farmington Flames
Contact Person: Andrea Fields
Address: 27500 Shiawassee Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Phone Number: 248-477-1153
Email: Andrea\[email protected]
PONTIAC
Team Name: Pontiac Spartans
Contact Person: Ron Washington
Address: 469 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., S.
Pontiac, MI 48342
Phone Number: 248-334-2407
Email: Ron\[email protected]
WARREN
Team Name: Warren Warriors
Contact Person: Ed Duering
Address: 24140 Mound Rd.
Warren, MI 48091
Phone Number:586-754-7400
Email: Edward\[email protected]
WAYNE/WESTLAND
Team Name: Westland Wild
Contact Person: Andrew Barylski
Address: 2300 Venoy Rd.
Westland, MI 48186
Phone Number: 734-722-3660
Email: Andrew\[email protected]
Since 2005, the Red Wings have raised more than $145,000 to benefit The Salvation Army. This past December, four groups of Red Wings players, personnel and alumni raised more than $23,000 for The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign during a two-hour span throughout Metro Detroit. The funds raised this season will support The Salvation Army's STRIVE Floor Hockey program, as well as other vital Salvation Army initiatives.
About The Salvation Army:
Founded by William and Catherine Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. This past year, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing 2,724,152 meals and 652,786 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.87 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year. For more information about The Salvation Army, please call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at
www.salmich.org
.
