A joint project between Powell River Recreation Complex and Canadian Tire Jumpstart is aiming to allow more children to participate in local sports by providing them with adequate equipment.
Due to the expense of playing sports, the idea of a used-gear drive has been considered by recreation complex staff for some time. A chance conversation between City of Powell River manager of recreation Neil Pukesh and Powell River Jumpstart chapter chair Michelle Hodgkinson-Kristof resulted in the equipment collection drive currently underway at the complex.
Used sports gear donated by the public during the drive will be sold in late August at a reasonable cost. Proceeds from the sale will go to Jumpstart, a charity that assists in covering youth sports participation costs including registration, equipment and transportation.
“We try to keep the children in need active all year long,” said Hodgkinson-Kristof. “Each child qualifies for up to $400 per year.”
Youth from low-income families who want to play sports are often shut out from participating due to the cost involved.
“We're trying to eliminate some barriers for people taking our programs or going through the skate club, or minor hockey or minor soccer,” said arena and sport program coordinator Ray Dubé, “and do anything we can to get the kids involved at a reasonable price.”
Soaring costs for youth participation in sports is a big expense for any family. For low-income households it is unaffordable, particularly for hockey, which is the most expensive sport with an average equipment cost of about $1,200 per year. Baseball and basketball can cost between $120 and $500, while soccer is the least expensive with annual gear costs of between $60 and $300.
In addition to sports organizations gaining more players, other local groups also benefit from the Jumpstart program. According to Hodgkinson-Kristof, Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association was the largest recipient of Jumpstart funds in 2016, with donations primarily going toward registration fees.
“We're not just sports, we also do dance, boy and girl scouts programs and anything that is defined by the Jumpstart charity,” said Hodgkinson-Kristof.
The payback for providing youth with opportunities to participate in sports and other activities is worth the effort, she added.
“We've had a lot of feedback,” said Hodgkinson-Kristof. “Once the child is involved, you see the change in their disposition, their leadership and how outgoing they are.”
Jumpstart raised $22,000 locally in 2016 and continues to grow. Hodgkinson-Kristof said 100 per cent of the funds stayed in Powell River.
“Every year we help more children and every year we haven't turned away a child due to budget constraints,” she said.
Dubé said despite it being the first attempt to collect used gear from the community, he anticipates a positive response.
“It is tough because a lot of people sell their gear online,” said Dubé. “We don't know how much equipment will be donated, but it's a chance we're willing to take.”
Dubé said donated gear has to be in decent or better condition.
“We want stuff that would be usable and it can be for any sport,” said Dubé. “We're looking more for soccer and hockey, more of the staple things, but anything would be welcome.”
A bin has been set up at the recreation complex for equipment and uniform donations.
