the awesome opportunities being presented to them through the program . For Ryan Giesbrecht , a 12-year-old WJHA student , learning how to skate on the ice has given him confidence off of it , and has made the program a lot of fun for him .
“ I really enjoy it because you get to have fun out on the ice , and you get to have fun doing some events that other people don ’ t get to do , like going to The Forks to skate , or going to a Jets game or a basketball game ,” said Giesbrecht . “ I really enjoy that a lot .”
TRUE NORTH YOUTH FOUNDATION LIVING PHILANTHROPY PROGRAM OFFERS REWARDS FOR STUDENTS
AND ORGANIZATIONS
Search the term “ philanthropy ” on the Internet . You ’ ll probably find a definition something like , “ The desire to promote the welfare of others , expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes .” While money may be one way to express philanthropy , the True North Youth Foundation ’ s Living Philanthropy Program offers opportunities to promote the welfare of others in much deeper ways than that .
The Living Philanthropy Program offers organizations with the opportunity to adopt a Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy ( WJHA ) class and run weekly on-ice sessions with the kids for the duration of the 25-week WJHA season , which usually runs from October to May .
The hockey and skating lessons are just one piece of a larger puzzle though . The program also gives organizations an avenue through which to get involved in their community and build relationships , as well as reap the benefits of a team building atmosphere for their employees . Organizations like Price Industries , Maple Leaf Construction , Birchwood Automotive Group , Skybridge , True North Sports +
Written by :
JASON FRIESEN
Entertainment , Princess Auto , Winnipeg Police Services , RCMP , and New Flyer have already grabbed their skates and sticks to join in the program . With companies like
“ IT ’ S AN AMAZING , REWARDING EXPERIENCE FOR US TO SEE THE KIDS GROW . AND THE FACT THAT OUR COMPANY DOES IT ? IT ’ S UNBELIEVABLE .”
— Price Industries CEO , Gerry Price
these , students in the WJHA are provided with the connections they may need for future internships and employment .
“ It ’ s far more than just learning to play the game of hockey ,” said Mark Chipman , Executive Chairman of True North Sports + Entertainment . “ We ’ re really trying to help get kids through school and make them feel good about themselves , to believe that they can achieve anything .”
It ’ s obvious from the reactions of the students that they recognize and appreciate
But the employees of the organizations that are already participating in the program are just as appreciative as the students . Bev Schick , who works as a manufacturing accountant with Price Industries and has been volunteering with the Living Philanthropy Program for six years was adamant about what the program means to her .
“ It ’ s an absolute privilege that Gerry gives us , to be able to take time off work to go and work with these kids ,” said Schick , referencing Price Industries CEO , Gerry Price . “ It ’ s an amazing , rewarding experience for us to see the kids grow . And the fact that our company does it ? It ’ s unbelievable .”
Though the program may disrupt the work schedules of employees , the volunteers don ’ t see it as a detriment to their organization ’ s productivity .
“ There are times when I come back of the ice , and I tell my coworkers some stories about some things that happened because I ’ m pumped up about it , and it gets them pumped up about it ,” Schick said .
In Schick ’ s mind , more companies should be “ joining the rush ” and getting involved .
“ You need to do it ,” Schick said . “ It ’ s needed in the community , but it ’ s a great feeling as a company . It ’ s a great feeling for your employees to give back and see the growth . It ’ s super important .”
For more information on the WJHA Living Philanthropy Program , please contact Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy Director Murray Cobb at 204.926.5583 or visit www . tnyf . ca