RED DEER - The G.H. Dawe Community School in Red Deer is one of five recipients of quarterly grants recently awarded by the Hockey Alberta Foundation.
Along with the G.H. Dawe School, grants were awarded to the Sturgeon Hockey Club, the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association, St. Albert Minor Hockey Association, and Bashaw Minor Hockey Association through the Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community program.
G.H. Dawe School has earmarked its $4,250 for a learn-to-play program for students, where all the necessary equipment will be provided.
"Last year, we did an informal survey to find out how many students owned skates," said Sue Carmichael, Principal of G.H. Dawe. "Out of a couple classes, with over 30 students each, only four students owned skates. The vast majority of our students have never played or been exposed to skate-related sports. We currently have two large cupboards to house skates. The skates are well-used and often we don’t have enough sizes to fit students.”
Carmichael explained that last winter, the school had a sports expert assess the skates. It was determined that at least half need replacing, and that the school also was in short supply of helmets.
“With the generous grant from the Every Kid Every Community program, we will be able to purchase many pairs of used skates, and new helmets,” said Carmichael. “For the first time, we will be able to start a learn-to-play hockey program during Middle School options. A huge thank you to the Hockey Alberta Foundation!"
Through all of the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s TEAMMATES, including ATB Investor Services, Quinn’s Energy Group of Companies, the Piper Creek Optimist Club of Red Deer, the Glencross Legacy Fund, and Serdachny Hockey, these grants are made possible for communities throughout the province.
The deadline to apply for the next set of quarterly grants through the Every Kid Every Community program is November 30. For more information on how to apply for a grant, click here.
About Every Kid Every Community
The Every Kid Every Community program was launched in 2011, with the goal of ensuring a gateway to play hockey for any child in Alberta who is interested in the sport. The goal is to provide every child in Alberta the opportunity to play hockey, have fun and, in many cases, experience the sport for the first time.
Funding through Every Kid Every Community is available to assist amateur sports organizations, minor hockey organizations, youth groups, recreation groups, or any community group with an idea, project or program that helps establish an event or program to get local children active in hockey. Hockey is a great way for kids to be active, healthy and surrounded by positive leaders in their community. Keeping kids active in sport helps reduce childhood obesity, creates a safe and fun environment and forms friendships.
