Canadian Tire here is hosting “The Great Skate” on Monday afternoon to raise money to help needy kids play organized sports.
A free skate—open to all ages—will run from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Memorial Sports Centre, organizer Margaret McDonald said Friday morning.
“When people come, they don’t have to pay anything,” she noted. “All I ask them to do is fill out a registration form, which I’ll then forward to Canadian Tire [Corp.]
“Then they’ll donate $5 to the ‘JumpStart’ program for every registration form I can get,” she added.
The Canadian Tire “JumpStart” program is a community-based, charitable initiative that helps kids in financial need participate in organized sports and recreation such as hockey, dance, soccer, and swimming.
“Say they can’t afford their soccer shoes—‘JumpStart’ will provide funding for that child,” said McDonald. “If they want play baseball but they can’t afford the $75 fee, ‘JumpStart’ will pay for that.
“It’s great program.”
National in scope but local in focus, the “JumpStart” program is accessible by 215 Canadian Tire stores across the country, including the one here.
“Last year, we gave out $2,600 to kids here in our community to play hockey, swim, and do whatever they needed to do,” noted McDonald.
She said she’d like to see more local sports associations become aware of “JumpStart” so Canadian Tire will know who the needy youth are in the community and help them participate in recreational activities they can’t afford.
McDonald stressed the funds can’t be given directly to an individual in need, but rather to a group, such as the local minor hockey association or youth soccer league, which then will make sure the children in need get the aid they need.
Since its launch last February, Canadian Tire “JumpStart” has helped give more than 24,200 kids in financial need the chance to play.
“The Great Skate” is being held at many locations elsewhere in Canada on Sunday, Feb. 19, but it couldn’t be held here that day due to scheduling conflicts with hockey tournaments.
This coming Monday was chosen as it is a P.A. day for local students.
For more information, visit www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstart
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
