The Leo Hayes Women's Hockey team working with the 7-and-under group at the Brendon Oreto Hockey School.
Our mission is to assist families that have difficulty with the costs associated with playing hockey.
About the Foundation
Gary Ross
Frank MacLoon
In the early 1970s, Frank MacLoon and Gary Ross, two community-minded individuals, were both involved with Big Brothers and understood that their little brothers wanted to play hockey. While at the rink, they saw boys standing on the sidelines, watching their friends play, unable to participate due to financial constraints. Motivated to make a difference, Frank and Gary used their connections with the FYHA and the Y’s Men’s Club to start raising funds and providing equipment and fees for these children. Summers were spent fundraising to ensure no child was left out.
Brendon Oreto
On December 23, 1998, tragedy struck when Brendon Oreto, a promising young hockey player attending Governor’s Academy on a full scholarship, lost his life in a car accident. To honour Brendon’s memory, the FYHA Needy Kids’ Program was renamed the Brendon Oreto Foundation. Since then, the Foundation has grown, with a dedicated Board of Directors, successful fundraising events, and support from hundreds of individuals. Today, the Brendon Oreto Foundation is part of the Fredericton Community Foundation, ensuring long-term impact and strong community ties.
By the Numbers
Over the past 25 years:
Hockey Schools:
Nearly 3,000 players have attended our hockey schools since 1999.
1,700 university and AAA high school coaches and players have volunteered as instructors.
Equipment and Fees:
Over 5,600 children have received hockey equipment and/or fee assistance since 1999.
In the last two years, over 40 new immigrants from Ukraine, Brazil, Latvia, and the Philippines have been equipped to play hockey.
Contributed over $500,000 to eight minor hockey associations (since 2006).
Approximately 40 Indigenous females have received equipment to participate in a “learn to play” program in their community.
Bursary Program
To further support youth development, we have established first-year post-secondary bursaries at Leo Hayes High School, Fredericton High School, Stanley Consolidated School, and the Central New Brunswick Academy. These bursaries, coordinated through the Fredericton Foundation, help students pursue their educational goals.
Congratulations to our 2024
Brendon Oreto Foundation Bursary Recipients
Emery Bowland - LHHS
Morgan Stiles - FHS
Kara Munn - CNBA
Darien Wilson - Stanley
Take Action
Your donation to our Foundation ensures that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to experience the joy of playing hockey.
