Military families in the Valley are the beneficiaries of a Canadian Tire/Jumpstart initiative that aims to promote an active lifestyle without having to fork out money. The company has donated two canoes, two kayaks, paddles, lifejackets and other water safety gear to CFB Comox, available to families free of charge.
“It’s a timely time to celebrate recreation,” 19 Wing recreation co-ordinator Janice Sandholm said at a Friday event at Air Force Beach in Comox. “We claim June as Recreation Month every year. People need to re-create, and people need to de-stress.
“This year, the national recreation manager has orchestrated a sponsorship with Canadian Tire in support of recreation programs, access to programs and equipment for families living within the military community.”
Canadian Tire has formed a multi-year commitment with Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services that includes equipment donations.
Jumpstart — a charity that helps children who cannot afford to play by providing them with funds needed for registration or equipment — is tied into the initiative via program funding for children from military families.
“Sometimes, a little bit of help is really welcomed,” Sandholm said. “The idea of Jumpstart is to try and engage children who may have barriers to participating in activity. It’s critical that it’s physical activity.”
Jumpstart is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
“We will hit our millionth child helped sometime in the next few weeks across Canada,” said Landon French, executive director of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.
“Canadian Tire has been working with DND (Department of National Defence) to help military families become even more active by providing recreation equipment.”
Continued on Page 7