Efforts underway to help kids play hockey

News Release
OPP

Source For Sports® stores in Northern Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police, Kobe Sportswear and Warrior Sports Canada have teamed up to gather hockey equipment for children in northern areas.
During a three week period from August 29th to September 16th, 2011, participating Source For Sports® locations in Fort Frances, Dryden and Kenora will be accepting gently used hockey equipment from the community as donations to the program.
Equipment will be collected from participating Source For Sports® stores and then distributed locally to children throughout the Rainy River District, Kenora and Dryden Districts who have been identified by our community partners who are in need of such hockey equipment. This program is run in conjunction with an educational program through the OPP called D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) or RESPECT Technology Program which is designed to give kids the life skills they need to avoid involvement with drugs, gangs and violence.
“Each Source For Sports® store owner is highly committed to this cause and the good that comes from communities supporting communities,” said Paul LaVigne, Director of Marketing at Source For Sports® Head office.
“We are in the perfect position to help out and support those that need equipment, mentorship and the encouragement to participate in positive sports activities,” said John McTaggart owner of TAGG’S Source For Sports®
The Rainy River District OPP, Dryden OPP and Kenora OPP Community Services Officers have mobilized several community partners to take part in the equipment drive. The Dryden Mayor Committee, Kenora’s Triple Play and Rainy River District Kids Sport have all come on board to help with the distribution of the donated equipment locally. The OPP will help to facilitate transportation of the equipment to local distribution centres assigned within each respective location.
“The OPP look forward to this exciting partnership with our community partners. We know sport is one of the best ways to bring a community together, whether as kids playing the game, parents and families cheering on the sidelines, or by helping each other out with mentorship and equipment. It makes a huge and positive impact”, says Constable Anne McCoy.
For more information regarding the Hockey Equipment Drive please contact:
Jennifer.wilson@sourceforsports.com