Canadian Tire here recently brought in the father and son NHL team of Steve and Christian Thomas for a bit of ball hockey to provide a Jumpstart for local youth.
Bryan Prestipinio, Sports and seasonal manager at Fergus Canadian Tire, said Steve Thomas is an NHL alumus, and former player for the Toronto Maple Leafs while his son Christian Thomas, from the Oshawa Generals, is a 2010 draft selection by the New York Rangers.
Both took part in some impromptu ball hockey with the local kids. No scores were kept in the spirit of having fun.
“We’re doing this to raise funds for Jumpstart, which supports children who cannot afford to play organized Sports,” Prestipinio explained.
“We’re doing this to bring the community back to the store and to help local children. “I know there are a lot of local children that do use the Jumpstart program.”
All the proceeds from the day stay within the local community, Prestipinio stressed. “Every dollar goes right back into the community.”
Other attractions that day included a dunk tank, a balloon pop, autographed sticks, free ice cream, and prizes donated by local businesses. Then there was also the barbecue sponsored by local restaurants and a 50-50 draw.
Vision of Jumpstart
According the Canadian Tire website, one in three Canadian families cannot afford to enrol its children in sport and recreation activities because of financial barriers. That means that many kids are missing out.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart is dedicated to removing barriers, so children can participate in organized sport and recreation.
Organizers see the Jumpstart program as equipping kids for life, because participation in organized sport and recreation increases a child’s chance for success in life.
Young people discover and participate, gain self-confidence, develop self-esteem and learn leadership skills.
Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart is a national charitable program that helps financially disadvantaged kids participate in organized sport and recreation by helping to cover registration, equipment and transportation costs.
There is now a national network of more than 310 local chapters whose members are volunteers who are committed to helping get kids active and healthy.
Those volunteers work in partnership with other local non-profit organizations to discreetly identify kids with the greatest need in their community.
Since its launch in 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has given 330,000 kids across Canada the chance to play.
