Lucas Punkari
Although it will be a totally different challenge for her, local Canadian Tire office administrator Angela Smith is looking forward to a seven-day hike through the Rocky Mountain national parks in September to raise money for the store’s “Jumpstart” program.
“I haven’t done anything like this before, so I have already been walking, biking, and kayaking to get myself in shape for this,” Smith noted.
“Over the course of the seven days, we will be hiking [some] 88 km, which means that we will be hiking for 32 hours and above 4,600 metres of altitude.
“That meant that I had to get my own hiking boots and poles for the first time,” she added.
“But it’s going to be a good time, and especially since all of the money that we will be raising will stay here in Fort Frances.”
The trek, which will begin Sept. 6, will see Smith and 15 others from across the country hike through Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper national parks to help raise money for their respective “Jumpstart” foundations.
“Basically, it is the partners of the dealers that are going on this trek, and we have people involved from coast to coast,” Smith explained.
“It’s all volunteers who have elected to take part in this hike since it’s usually not easy for us to be away from the stores for that long,” she added.
Besides training for her trek, Smith also has been involved with some fundraising events locally to help her reach her $5,000 goal.
“We’ve done some fun things here at the store, such as ‘Crazy Hair Day,’ bake sales, and some barbecues on the weekends,” she noted.
On Aug. 7, a canning demonstration through Bernardin will be held at the New Beginnings Fellowship Church at 6:30 p.m., which will be free for anyone to attend and where donations will be accepted.
“We do ask before that event that people who want to attend call in advance at 274-7711 ext. 107, just so we know how many people will be coming,” Smith said.
All of the money Smith raises will go towards the local “Jumpstart” program, which goes to help local youths take part in sports by covering the costs of equipment, registration, etc.
“In 2012 alone, ‘Jumpstart’ helped 300 kids to play sports in Fort Frances and the surrounding area,” Smith noted.
“It’s not just for hockey that money goes towards, as it is used to help people with dancing, basketball, soccer, and many other activities,” she added.
“We want to help more individuals take part in sports here,” Smith stressed.
“And if the money we raised isn’t all used this year, it can be used next year also.”
Smith is accepting donations to help her reach her $5,000 goal via the “Jumpstart” website or at Canadian Tire here.
She also is open to anyone who has any ideas for fundraising activities in the lead-up to her trip to Alberta.
Smith can be reached at 274-7711 ext. 103.
