Earlier this month the Frozen Forces youth, their siblings and parents joined forces with the Bancroft Ontario Provincial Police detachment for some spring cleaning.
Participants collected 24 bags of garbage from parts of Hwy 28, Canadian Tire and South Baptiste Lake Road locations.
According to organizers, although the weather wasn’t great that day, it didn’t stop the kids from sharing laughs while they lent a hand in the community.
Frozen Forces Youth Hockey development program is a not-for-profit established this year by Jason Fransky, an Ontario JR A hockey alumnus and current detective with Bancroft OPP.
Recognizing that many area families struggle to enrol their kids in sports, the program aims to provide youth with barrier-free access to hockey, while also working with local police officers to develop their hockey skills, learn valuable life lessons, and increase community engagement.
In a recent press release the Frozen Forces spoke about why their organization is needed now more than ever.
“After participating in the hockey programs, the young athletes will gain an understanding of the importance of respect, responsibility, and community involvement. They will collaborate with local police officers from the Bancroft O.P.P Detachment to complete volunteering initiatives. Our community members and businesses have always been invested in shaping our youth into future leaders. In the aftermath of the pandemic, the youth require our support and encouragement to regain their self-confidence and sense of belonging within the community. In a world that has lost its sense of touch and togetherness, we aim to reignite this relationship and foster an inclusive sense of belonging for all through the sport of hockey”
In March, The Frozen Forces provided a free three-day hockey program for 19 young participants.
The group said they are excited to plan and organize more hockey programs in the future.
Learn more about the Frozen Forces here: