CALGARY – The Calgary Roughnecks will hold an equipment drive this Saturday, February 4, when the defending champion Saskatchewan Rush visit the Scotiabank Saddledome. Fans are invited to drop off new or gently-used lacrosse and hockey equipment at collection bins located around the concourse. Equipment will be accepted until the end of halftime in support of Roughnecks EvenStrength, a financial aid program under the Calgary Roughnecks Foundation.
Roughnecks EvenStrength, in partnership with KidSport Calgary and Comrie’s Sports Equipment Bank, alleviates financial hardship for deserving families to ensure equality for kids at any age of minor lacrosse. Funding is available, for qualified applicants, through KidSport Calgary while no-cost (gently used) equipment is available for qualified families through Comrie’s Sports Equipment Bank.
“The Roughnecks EvenStrength program gives more kids the opportunity to play the game of lacrosse,” said Roughnecks general manager Mike Board. “The Calgary Flames Foundation, Hockey Calgary and KidSport Calgary have done a tremendous job with the EvenStrength program in hockey and we are proud to have lacrosse as part of an initiative that provides kids and families the opportunity to participate in sport, lead healthy lifestyles and make life-long friendships.”
Through a confidential application process, KidSport Calgary provides assistance for registration fees and equipment costs to children ages 18 and under, enabling youth to play a season of sport. The primary goal of the Comrie’s Sports Equipment Bank is to gather and distribute equipment at no cost to kids who would otherwise be denied the opportunity to participate. The equipment bank has impacted nearly 5,000 youth with almost 20,000 items of sporting equipment distributed since August 2014.
“We are very excited to be part of this great partnership focused on removing financial barriers for families in need so more kids in Calgary and area can participate in lacrosse,” said Kevin Webster, executive director at KidSport Calgary. “We are committed to our goal of making it ‘So ALL Kids Can Play!’ and with the Calgary Roughnecks Foundation at our side, we know we are one step closer.”
The Calgary Roughnecks Foundation raises funds to support growing the game of lacrosse and community wellness initiatives that improve the lives of Calgarians. Since 2012, the Foundation has donated $360,000 to the Calgary District Lacrosse Association and its eight minor clubs.
