Red ball campaign kicks off at Canadian Tire

Times Reporter  

 

Once again Strathmore Canadian Tire is preparing for the annual Jumpstart campaign. The Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a registered charity that helps disadvantaged families across the country get involved in organized sports. 

All 480 Canadian Tire stores across the country are also competing for a chance to have Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews come to their store.

“The support last year was tremendous. We placed fifth without even mentioning that Jonathan Toews was a possibility. So this year we figure if we can get that word out, we have a good shot at winning,” said Shelley Orford, Strathmore Jumpstart Charity chapter chair and co-owner of Strathmore’s Canadian Tire. 

“I would be over the moon for that to happen (to win the visit) because for the Town, I think it would be a great experience.”

In the store for the next few weeks there are red balls for sale for $2 each. The location that sells the most balls as a percentage of transactions wins the visit. 

The Jumpstart program has worked with numerous organizations in the community to help children get involved in organized sports and recreational activities. Strathmore Minor Hockey (SMH) is excited to continue working with Strathmore Canadian Tire and the Jumpstart program. 

“We feel that the Jumpstart program is another very important piece of not only the minor hockey program but all minor sports,” said (SMH) President Wayne Hansen. 

“Jumpstart will help provide children the ability to play all minor sports that may not be able to play otherwise. As I have said many times in my term as President of SMH if we are able to help even just one child participate in minor hockey that otherwise would not have been able to then we should consider the program a success.”

Minor hockey and many other sports are becoming more and more expensive which often leads parents to the difficult decision of removing their child from organized sports. 

“Sports are not only a great way to meet new friends but the best source of physical activity that a child may have. This in turn will help them moving forward in life. With the help of the Oxfords at Canadian Tire in town I hope that we can help bring affordability of many sports not just hockey to the residents of Strathmore and the surrounding area,” said Hansen. 

From May 3 to 26 Canadian Tire will be selling their red Jumpstart balls for $2. The official Jumpstart Day is on May 25, and there will be a BBQ held to commemorate the day.