Skate Canada held an event to thank its financial backers ©Skate Canada

Skate Canada has held an event called "Breaking The Ice" to thank donors who have financially backed the organisation.

The governing body launched The Skate Canada Fund in May, which allows supporters to donate money to the sport online.

Fans can send their money to one of five targeted areas: the Skate For Life Skater Fund, the Skate To Win Athlete Fund, the Coach Fund, the Officials Fund and the Leadership Fund.

So far, CAD$22,000 (£12,700/16,700/€15,000) has been raised through the venture. 

The thank you event was held alongside the Skate Canada High Performance Camp in Toronto, and allowed select donors to "meet and mingle" with some of the top Canadian skaters.

A number of national team members were present to meet the donors ©Skate Canada
A number of national team members were present to meet the donors ©Skate Canada

Team members posed for photos and discussed the upcoming season while a "talk show" called "As The Blade Turns" was also held. 

This saw skaters interact with commentator and journalist PJ Kwong and Paul Dore, the son of former Canadian and international skating pioneer David Dore.

Dan Thompson, the chief executive of Skate Canada, was pleased with how the event was received.

"Breaking The Ice was a tremendous success, with our generous donors getting the unique opportunity to interact with members of our national team," he said.

"The evening was about recognising our donors for their contribution to the Skate Canada Fund, and our way of thanking each and every one of them. 

"Every donation represents a commitment to the future of skating in Canada, and Skate Canada is extremely appreciative of their generosity."