Detroit Red Wings Treat Local Kids to VIP Experience at HockeyFest
Children from The Salvation Army received a one-on-one demonstration from Dan Cleary
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., — Kids from The Salvation Army were treated to a very special visit from Red Wings player Dan Cleary during HockeyFest August 29 at Joe Louis Arena. Ten children from The Salvation Army’s STRIVE Youth Hockey program in Pontiac, Royal Oak and Warren received a special demonstration from Cleary and demonstrated the new hockey skills they’ve learned as well.
Cleary spent time instructing the young players in foot drills, stick handling and several demonstrations. Kids were able to play goalie, take home a jersey and get a real-life fan experience that they might otherwise not receive.
The Salvation Army received a grant from the Detroit Red Wings Foundation earlier this year to help fund the nonprofit’s STRIVE (Student Training for Integrity, Vitality, and Education) Youth Hockey program. STRIVE is a grass roots effort to not only provide children new opportunities, but also to partner with community members to grow the sport of hockey.
The STRIVE mission is to help meet the spiritual, mental and physical needs of the whole child through an organized floor hockey program at The Salvation Army’s participating community centers. This allows children the chance to experience a sport they may not previously have considered, often due to economic constraints.
Founded by William Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. In 2008, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing more than 3 million meals and 776,973 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.83 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.