About 500 hamburgers were sold to hungry area residents on Saturday, June 27 in support of Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program at its annual barbecue.
The event raised about $5,400 for Jumpstart, which helps local children participate in sports when they otherwise may not be able to afford it.
Paige Roberts, 11, stood in line for her hamburger with little sister Jade Kosolowski in tow and gladly handed over her lunch money.
Roberts was one of 108 area children who benefited from Jumpstart last year as she joined the Flin Flon Aqua Doves synchronized swimming program.
Jumpstart contributes up to $300 per child to help with organized sports and activities.
“It [gives] families that are on a budget a chance for their children to play sports,” said Roberts’ mom Patricia Roberts. “It meant a lot to us.”
“It’s important because giving every kid an equal chance to [participate in] sports is amazing,” said Jumpstart volunteer Tanya Benoit. “Kids that wouldn’t normally…get to play now have a chance.”
To date, more than $47,000 has been raised through barbecues and other fundraising initiatives in Flin Flon alone.
“Paige really wanted to go into synchro and I just couldn’t afford it,” said Patricia. “Someone told me about the Jumpstart program so I applied and got accepted. They helped me a lot.”
The mother of two hopes her daughter Jade, now 2, will also be able to benefit from the program in the years to come.
Benoit says Jumpstart helps to ensure that area children won’t have to watch from the sidelines.
“Physical activity is good for the health and maintenance of children,” she said, a mother of two herself. “It also provides a chance to be a part of a team and build work ethic and how to be a team player.”
Through the program last year, the Flin Flon Minor Hockey Association was able to provide equipment for first-year players.
Jumpstart has also helped athletes in soccer, golf, swimming and baseball.
