Weyburn's Canadian Tire Store recently finished its annual Jumpstart campaign, where thousands of dollars will go directly back towards local youth for programs such as hockey, skating, soccer and dance. That is, thanks to all the hard work many staff, volunteers and supporters put into the day-long fundraiser in Weyburn.
Despite the occasional rain shower, local people came out to support the program, which helped 94 of Weyburn and area's youth last year.
"Over the past six years we've helped 329 youth between the ages of four and 18 years old enjoy the sport of their choice," Canadian Tire spokesperson Tania Grams told Weyburn This Week.
"We've seen an increase in referrals due to the high costs of living in this area due to the increase of living that comes with an oil boom in our area," The Family Place's Linda Rudachyk told This Week.
"Along with higher oilfield wages comes the costs of higher housing and everyday living costs, which many who do not have jobs in the oil-patch cannot afford," Rudachyk said.
"While The Family Place is our largest local referral service for our program, we (Canadian Tire) also receive referrals from Big Brothers and Sisters, Weyburn Youth Centre and The Salvation Army," Grams said.
"The Weyburn Oilwomen have also graciously donated the profits to our Jump Start program from their golf tournament. Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) then matches the Oilwomen's donation, just as CTC matches the donations from local Jumpstart fundraising days across the country," Grams added.
Weyburn Mayor Debra Button also commented on her firm commitment to helping local disadvantaged youth. "It's something that we must all get behind because a united community is a stronger community and volunteering at this type of event shows our youth that we care about them all," Button said.
One in three Canadian families cannot afford to enrol their children in sport and recreation activities because of financial barriers (Ipsos Reid, 2009). That means that many kids are missing out.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national charitable program that helps financially disadvantaged kids participate in organized sport and recreation. The program helps cover registration, equipment and/or transportation costs.
Since their launch in 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has given 300,000 kids across Canada the chance to play.
