Thousands donated for kids’ ice time at

Ken Johnston
Editor

With the rising cost of living today, an idea surfaced that has made at least two recreational activities very affordable for families this year.
Deb Wagner of the Rainy River Recreation Board has lead yet another fundraising charge. Last year she and Rose Tetu raised thousands of dollars for new tables and chairs at the Rainy River Recreation Centre. Now she has tackled raising money for kids and families to enjoy some free ice time at the Centre.
The idea surfaced at a Visioning seminar attended by the local board and other community minded groups last spring. The instructor, and former Pinewood resident, Roger Langlais, talked about different ways to get the community to feel like they are a part of, “their rec. centre.”
That coupled with the need to try and get people more physically active and rising living costs the idea of soliciting sponsors for public skating and shinny hockey was born.
“We are trying to get all the kids into Participaction as much as possible,” explained Wagner, who sent out over 200 letters to service clubs, individuals and businesses. The response has been very good so far with more than $3,500 coming in to date.
The letters outlined the importance of physical activity for both the young and old, noting that the cost per hour to run skating or shinny is about $75. Two major supporters stepped up to the plate and fired donations the board’s way almost immediately. The Rainy River Legion and Legion Aux. donated $1,500 and $450 respectively.
The Rainy River Rec. Board’s Youth Recreation Board had raised some money and opted to match the Legion’s commitment of $1,500 or $75 per week for the entire winter.
Many individuals and families have also donated money to the cause. So the question is, has it worked?
Wagner said that the numbers at public skating are way up over last year and a family skating night recently was very successful. The numbers at shinny hockey are also up.
While the support for the program has been good, Wagner is still hoping to hear from many of the recipients of the letters. “Much of the early donations have been used up, and we hope to continue this program until spring.”
Anyone wishing to donate can call the Rec. Centre at 852-4446. People wondering when they can take advantage of the free skating or hockey can refer to the schedule on page five of ever week’s Record.