A program offering kids a chance to play hockey for free in Windsor is hitting the ice for its 12th year.
St. Clair College's Alumni Association kicked in $5,000 to the Knobby's Kids Hockey and Skating Program. That money will help keep the lights on at the rink for another year.
The program offers hockey to kids 8 to 11 years old. This year 90 kids are taking part at the Lanspeary Park Outdoor Ice Rink.
Knobby's Kids President Marty Kereseter tells CTV News the beautiful thing about the program, is kids that have become adults, return to the rink to give back.
"They want to help out, it gives them a sense of purpose, even just by being a part of the program and that's what makes a big difference," he says.
Being a part of the program can mean the world to some kids, according to Kereseter.
"That's what's so special about this program. Some of these kids, they just want to be part of something and this gives them a chance to do that," he added.
Kereseter wouldn’t trade cold Saturday mornings at the rink for anything.
"Every time I see those kids on the ice and they're smiling, that's what makes it worthwhile," says Kereseter.
He says it costs about $14,000 a year to keep kids on the ice, but it's worth it to give kids a place to play.
The program runs every Saturday until the end of March.
— with files from CTV Windsor's Ricardo Veneza.