September has begun and it will soon be time for kids to return to school and, with it, many sports and extra-curricula activities and that’s where Canadian Tire comes in.
In a February letter, Canadian Tire President and CEO, Greg Hicks said that the company is committed to an additional $12 million this year to Jumpstart’s Sport Relief Fund to help build back sport and play in Canada. “Because of COVID-19, sport and play have never been more vital – or more at risk – than they are today,” said Hicks.
Each year, Mowbray’s Canadian Tire in Port Elgin supports the local Jump Start program that supports kids locally. When it comes to the local Jump Start program, for several years Mowbray’s Canadian Tire has provided a wide range of sports equipment with funds raised locally. “We were only too happy to help,” said Mike and Eleanor Mowbray. “We think all kids should have access to outdoor activities, whether or not their families can afford the equipment. We are also proud that funds raised here through the program, up to now, have always stayed local for our kids.”
Eleanor Mowbray explains that, “For the first $1,000 donated, Canadian Tire will double the amount and for the next $4,000 raised, Canadian Tire will match dollar for dollar. So, for a donation of $500, it becomes $1,500 and so on. It is a fantastic initiative to help families get their kids into activities that they might not be able to afford.”
In pre-pandemic times, Mowbray’s have launched Jump Start month with a day of activities that included a BBQ, martial arts demonstrations, the Monster Truck and a chance to meet race car driver Jason Parker and sit in his car that Mowbray’s Canadian Tire helps to sponsor.
While COVID-19 has changed most events, Jason Parker still kicked off Jump Start month on Saturday, August 28th at Mowbray’s where people still had the opportunity to meet him and see his race car.
“This year more than ever, it’s important to help our kids get back to some kind of normalcy,” say Mike and Eleanor Mowbray, “and Jump Start is prepared to help with that.”
