Canadian Tire helping Jumpstart interest in youth sports

By Casandra Turnbull

Paris Canadian Tire is hoping to Jumpstart interest in local youth sports opportunities by hosting a familyfriendly, one-day event later this month.

On Saturday, June 22nd from 12 pm to 4 pm, Canadian Tire staff is holding the fundraiser at the store to introduce families to a variety of different sports organizations and clubs operating here in town. The idea is to showcase what’s in this community, raise money for the Jumpstart program and help spark an interest in sports, where kids have an opportunity to try something new, develop skills and self-esteem, and meet new friends.

There’s no admission into this afternoon of family fun, however organizers will accept donations to go towards the Jumpstart program. Founded 2005, Jump Start encourages physical activity in kids and gives families facing financial barriers the chance to enroll their kids in sports, no matter the circumstances Jumpstart’s mandate is to give kids a sporting chance so that no kid is left out. Their vision is quite simple: Canada, where all kids have a chance to fulfill their dreams.

Jumpstart is a national charity with support and commitment from local communities, like Paris’ Canadian Tire. In fact, the Canadian Tire Corporation as a whole is Jumpstart’s biggest supporter, funding all the general administrative expenses of Jumpstart. That means 100% of customer donations, from events like this one, go directly to help kids.

“Not only are we hosting sports and rec groups (from the community), but we also want families to come out and make memories,” said Megan MacDonald, one of the event’s lead organizers and Canadian Tire Paris Store Manager. “We will having a bouncy castle, facepainting, food trucks, music and we will be raffling off a large prize,” she added. So don’t miss out on this free afternoon of family fun and entertainment. Remember to bring some money for the food trucks and a small donation to Jumpstart to help all Paris kids get off the sidelines and into the game!

The afternoon will give families the chance to interact with representatives from the following sports clubs and organizations: Paris Minor Hockey, CORE Dance Studio, Paris Community Pool, Jason’s Wheelhouse, Girl Guides, Paris Tennis Club, Paris Curling Club, County of Brant Recreation Team, Paris Ringette Association, Paris Soccer Club, First Paris Scouts and Paris Figure Skating Club. The event is graciously sponsored by Thompson Printing, Paris Curling Club, Trans FRT McNamara, Brave Waves Swim School and River Realty Team. If you’d like to learn more about this event, become a sponsor or attend as a sports organization, email Megan at mmct043@gmail.com or call the store at 519-442-2312 ext. 382.