June is Jumpstart month and Mowbray’s Canadian Tire Jumpstart chapter of the program received a major financial boost from Caitlyn Cobean’s Crusaders when they donated $10,000 from the 2005 Fall Silver Stick Tournament held in Saugeen Shores.
When teams come to Saugeen Shores to play in the Caitlyn Cobean Memorial Girls C Finals Silver Stick, they are not only coming to play in a fantastic tournament but also helping others, such as Jumpstart, in the community.
Jumpstart, founded in 2005, helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation by providing inclusive play for kids of all abilities, not only in hockey but in all sports. The money raised in the community stays local helping the community’s young people.
Jumpstart is also more than just about getting kids active. It’s about giving kids from families in financial need the same chance to participate as their neighbours, their classmates and their friends. Whether it’s the chance to try a new sport or to continue with a favourite one, no kid should be left out.
Canadian Tire Corporation covers all of Jumpstart’s general and administrative expenses so that 100% of donations stay in the community.
Eleanor Mowbray confirms that, “100% of the funds donated to the local Jumpstart chapter stay in our community to give kids aged 4-18 equal access to sports and physical activity. Sometimes, families need a little financial assistance to get their kids into a sport or physical activity whether it’s boxing to bowling or skating to skiing, and more. It also gives kids things like confidence, pride and learning what teamwork is all about.”
There are also ‘Community Development Grants’ as part of Jumpstart. The Grants go to organizations that develop or sustain sports and recreational programming for kids aged 4 to 18 in financial need to help with things like coaching or equipment costs and transportation .
Eleanor also stresses that the program is anonymous. “We know it can be difficult for a family to come forward and ask for help but that’s what we are here for. Anyone who needs a little assistance can contact us directly at Mowbray’s Canadian Tire either by coming into the store (Port Elgin) and asking for me or by calling (519-832-6995).”
