Thanks to the generosity of Grande Prairie residents, Canadian Tire raised more than $26,000 last month to help local children participate in sports.
Saturday was officially proclaimed Jumpstart Day, to mark the end of a month-long fundraising campaign.
The company works with local organizations to identify children in need of financial help to participate in sports and recreation, and General Manager Ron Regnier estimates they’ll have $100,000 to give out this year.
“The great thing about Jumpstart is every bit of money that you give here, stays here; there’s no administrative fees. You donate two dollars; two dollars goes towards helping someone. So we have $100,000 in the Peace area to give out to children.”
It’s hoped that will be enough to make them the top fundraising store for the fourth year in a row.
Families with financial barriers can apply for up to $600 in funding a year per child to help with everything from sign up fees to equipment.
Regnier adds their process is more simple than others, and applicants can hear back within days.