Lethbridge Sport Bank officially opens to help remove equipment barriers

LETHBRIDGE, AB — The Lethbridge Sport Bank is officially open, providing safe, quality, gently used and new sport equipment to individuals and families who may otherwise be unable to afford the gear needed to participate in sport and active recreation.

An initiative of the Lethbridge Sport Council, the Sport Bank will collect, inspect, clean and distribute equipment to help reduce financial barriers to participation.

The Sport Bank is available to individuals and families across southwestern Alberta experiencing financial barriers to purchasing sport equipment. Information about eligibility and the application process is available at www.sportbank.ca. Equipment fittings and pick-ups will be available by appointment.

Community members, partners and supporters gathered today for the official grand opening, which included a ceremonial ribbon cutting, family-friendly outdoor activities and a community BBQ sponsored by Sobeys Uplands.

Lethbridge Bulls made the ceremonial first community sport equipment donation to the Sport Bank.

“The opening of the Lethbridge Sport Bank is an exciting step toward making sport more accessible in our community,” said Susan Eymann, Executive Director of the Lethbridge Sport Council. “It will provide equipment to individuals and families who need it, but our vision extends beyond equipment distribution. The Sport Bank will also serve as a community sport hub where people can learn about and connect with the many free, low-cost and welcoming sport and active recreation opportunities available throughout our region.”

The Lethbridge Sport Council is grateful to the many organizations that shared their knowledge, resources and support during the development of the Sport Bank. Sport Central in Edmonton and the Calgary Flames Sport Bank provided valuable guidance and equipment to help establish the local program. Rosenau Transport–GLS Canada has joined the initiative as its transportation partner, helping move donated equipment to Lethbridge and across southwestern Alberta.

Additional partners include MyCityCare, Wil-Sand Custom Woodworking, Sobeys Uplands, and KidSport Lethbridge & Taber.

The Sport Bank was also made possible through financial support from the Government of Alberta, City of Lethbridge, Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta, Makadiff Sports, Alberta Blue Cross and Canadian Women & Sport.

To support the ongoing operation of the Lethbridge Sport Bank, the Lethbridge Sport Council has launched a community fundraising campaign. Donations will help cover the costs of collecting, transporting, inspecting, cleaning, sanitizing, storing, fitting and distributing equipment, as well as connecting individuals and families with sport and active recreation opportunities.

Community members can make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor. Donations are being accepted through the Charitable Impact platform, and eligible donors will receive an official tax receipt.

“Opening the doors is only the beginning,” said Eymann. “The long-term success of the Sport Bank will depend on the continued generosity of our community. Every financial contribution will help us keep equipment moving into the hands of people who are ready to play.”

Today’s grand opening also marks the beginning of a two-week community equipment donation drive. Donation bins are available at:

• Lethbridge Sport Council, 401 Laval Boulevard West
• Lethbridge City Hall, 910 4th Avenue South
• Lethbridge Sport Bank, 1401 28th Street North [or My City Care outside office hours]

The community is encouraged to donate safe, clean and gently used sport equipment. The Lethbridge Sport Bank will post its most-needed equipment items on Instagram and Facebook throughout the donation drive.

Information about the different ways to support the Sport Bank, including financial contributions, equipment donations and community partnerships, is available at www.sportbank.ca/donate.

Jamie Hazell, Sport Participation Coordinator with the Lethbridge Sport Council, will oversee the Sport Bank’s operations and serve as the primary contact for applications, appointments, equipment donations and community partnerships.

For more information:
Jamie Hazell
Sport Participation Coordinator
[email protected]
403-831-3724
www.sportbank.ca

Media contact:
Susan Eymann
Executive Director
[email protected]
403-320-5412