Just like so many other Canadians, Ste. Rose's Ryder Rodriguez loves the game of hockey. He enjoys watching it, playing it and now, he enjoys making sure other young kids get to play as well.
He's started the Hat Trick Project. The project's goal is to raise money in order to sponsor a child who wants to play hockey but doesn't have the financial ability to do so. Through raffles, bake sales and other fundraisers, Ryder looks to raise $1,000 and that money will cover their expenses for an entire season so they can play.
So far, Ryder has already sponsored two Ste. Rose hockey players and now, he's looking to sponsor a child from Dauphin.
"There was a kid on my team that thought he wouldn't play because they couldn't afford it and that really bugged me," said Rodriguez. "I love doing this because everyone should get to play if they want to."
In order to sponsor the Dauphin child, Ryder will look to fundraise some more money. They'll be at the Dauphin Co-op this Thursday from 10-5 selling raffle tickets. Each ticket is $5 and the money raised will help the third kid play hockey.
On September 10, a draw will be made in Ste. Rose and some great prizes will be up for grabs. You could win a Winnipeg Jets jersey, a hotel stay and two tickets to a Winnipeg Jets game and more.
"It's really exciting to give a kid the chance to play hockey," he concluded.
Each player also gets a starter pack from Dauphin Canadian Tire. That consists of hockey tape, mouth guard, hockey socks, sock tape, and jock.
This isn't the first time that Ryder has stepped up to the table to help out. Two years ago, the eight-year-old started Beanies for Preemies. His goal there was to raise money and knit hats for premature babies. He ended up raising enough money to make 426 hats and $1000 was donated.
