TORONTO -

Chrysler Canada is gearing up for the eighth season of its Dodge Caravan Kids Program.

The program works to support children and families facing the financial struggle that can come with playing Canadians' favorite pastime — hockey.

These financial burdens can include hockey registration fees, gear and more.

That’s where Dodge Caravan Kids comes in — a  joint effort between participating amateur hockey organizations nationwide, Chrysler Canada and its local Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram retailers.

Here’s how it works:

Eligible teams who sign up at www.dodgecaravankids.ca receive sponsorship funding to offset equipment, jersey, tournament and other costs of playing novice-level community hockey, the automaker explained.

The teams also have an opportunity to enter the Dodge Caravan Kids Team Photo Contest where they’re encouraged to a take a fun photo incorporating a Dodge Grand Caravan, their local Dodge dealership or a way to say thank you to Dodge.

Five winners will receive additional funding from Dodge Caravan Kids.

Moreover, Canadian families can also participate in the Dodge Caravan Kids “Score and Win” contest, by signing up through www.dodgecaravankids.ca. One entry will win a 2014 Dodge Caravan and $5,000 for his or her local hockey association.

“Since 2006, Chrysler Canada has donated over $4 million through Dodge Caravan Kids to make hockey more affordable for Canadian families,” said Reid Bigland, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Chrysler Canada Inc. “Look at the sheer number of our iconic minivans in any arena parking lot nationwide and you’ll understand why: It’s one small way we can give back to customers who have made our products ‘support players’ in their family’s pursuit of Canada’s favorite sport.”

To date, over 8,000 teams from across Canada have participated in Dodge Caravan Kids. This number represents more than 120,000 players or over 30,000 families.

The company offered the following visual: “Put each of those families in a Dodge Grand Caravan and line them up, bumper-to-bumper and the distance covered would stretch from Montreal to Mont Tremblant, halfway to Edmonton from Calgary or further than the drive from Vancouver to Whistler.”

Continue the conversation with Auto Remarketing Canada on LinkedIn and Twitter.