Jumpstart: currently in third

Times Reporter     

 

Since May 2, Canadian Tire stores across the nation have been fundraising for Jumpstart, a charity program that assists financially disadvantaged kids to get involved in sports and recreation. Along with selling red balls at their locations until May 31, stores are also responsible for incorporating whatever strategy they can to raise the most funds. 

“The support of local individuals has always been really good,” Strathmore Canadian Tire owner Shelley Orford said. “So we have extended a challenge out to the local businesses to see who can donate the most.”

The store that raises the most for Jumpstart wins a visit from Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews. Not only so, but as part of the corporate challenge, the business that donates the most if Strathmore wins will also get VIP access to Toews, Orford said. 

The annual Jumpstart Red Ball Campaign is Canadian Tire’s largest fundraiser of the year. Last year, Strathmore specifically helped 105 local kids. Roughly $8,800 was raised by Orford’s store in 2013, placing them in the Top 10 of all stores nationally. All funds raised in Strathmore stayed in the community.

“We don’t have a goal because we don’t know what dollar amount it will take to be in the number one spot,” Orford said, who’s raised $2,698 so far this month. “Our goal is to raise as much as we can.”

The store currently sits in third place across Canada.

If interested in donating as a local business, cheques can be dropped off at Canadian Tire. Orford’s store will also hold a BBQ on Jumpstart Day (May 31) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate the initiative.