As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, kids will soon be spotted tossing on their gear and hitting the playing fields.
But not all kids. For some families, the high cost of organized sports and recreational activities keeps children away from the soccer pitch or swimming pool.
But for the duration of this month, Cochranites can help get these kids in the game. Until May 31, residents can pop into the local Canadian Tire or Mark’s and make a donation to Canadian Tire Jumpstart.
The Jumpstart initiative gets kids involved in sports by assisting with the fees associated with registration, equipment and/or transportation. According to the charity’s website, one in three Canadian families cannot afford to enrol their kids in organized sports or physical activity.
“This charity really aligns with the values of the company,” said Rob Hatch, owner of the local store, and chair of the Cochrane and Calgary chapters of Jumpstart. “We’ve made it a priority to give back to the community.”
One hundred per cent of customer donations remain in Cochrane, helping local families, he continued.
Hatch said the Cochrane chapter of Jumpstart anticipates distributing nearly $40,000 over the course of this year. He said the average funding request from applicants is about $100.
“We’re going to be able to help around 400 local youth this year,” he remarked.
Canadian Tire, as well as Mark’s, are providing customers with a number of opportunities to donate, he said. In addition to a donation box and special Jumpstart merchandise, a $2 donation can be exchanged for a red Jumpstart ball or puck.
The month culminates on May 31 with Jumpstart Day. Hatch said the company will make a donation for purchases made that day — last year raised about $1,100.
For more details on Jumpstart — or to apply for Jumpstart funding — visit jumpstart.canadiantire.ca.
Since beginning in the fall of 2012, Cochrane Canadian Tire has helped 182 local kids and given over $21,000 back to the community through the Jumpstart program.
