The KidSport crew and staff threw a barbecue at Discovery Co-op over the weekend to raise money for children who cannot afford to play local sports. According to a co-chair of KidSport, David Schell, this is an issue within the community.
“We probably helped 200 kids last year play sports,” he said. “We shelled out about $55,000 to pay registration so there’s enough poverty here that KidSport can make a difference.”
The barbecue was the third annual, and is just one part of many fundraisers the organization puts on throughout the year. Others include lobster sales and an RCMP hockey tournament. Members also participate and benefit from the Battlefords Lions Club Operation Red Nose project.
Schell says he believes it is the people within the Battlefords who allow KidSport to have success.
“We get awesome community support. There’s lots of people that came out today to support KidSport, and some nice donations. A gentleman named Walter Degenstein gave $50 as donation, it’s nice to see.”
Other notable donations came from Karen and Terry Tyler, who also gave $50.
Last year, the organization raised around $300 and were hoping for $500 this year. Every donation helps, but the barbecue was also about raising awareness for KidSport and for people to understand that they are here to help.
“There’s a lot of people that still don’t know that KidSport is available,” Schell says. “If your child isn’t participating in sports because you can’t afford it, KidSport is here to help.”
