The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) has pledged an annual donation of $10,000 to the North End hockey program.

The North End hockey program, which is run through the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, gives North End youth the opportunity to play organized hockey without paying for expensive registration and equipment fees.

"The more they play, the better they get, the more pride they build in themselves," said MMF President David Chartrand. "It also takes them away from gangs, takes them away from negative activity, keeps them in a very proactive position."

"I think it will help build a skillset for them to be leaders of the future."

The hockey program runs four hockey teams out of Norquay called the Knights. Dana Riccio, the Program Support Manager for the centre, says this hockey program not only helps the kids, but their families as well.

"Yes, we're investing in our children and our youth, but ultimately, we're strengthening families," Riccio said. "Families come out, they are a part of it whether they're on the ice or not. This is our team, this is our community."

Chartrand said he will be going out into the community to ask other organizations to match the MMF's annual donation.

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