Sport Venture is participating in a joint effort with the True Travellers Society to collect and donate 50 bags of hockey equipment and 300 hockey sticks to youth in northern India.
Ice hockey is gaining momentum in India, particularly in the northern parts of the country. Despite their love for the game, most rural children are unable to play due to a lack of skates and quality equipment.
The True Travellers Society, with support of Ranch Ehrlo’s Sport Venture Program, is collecting hockey equipment for the non-profit group, Students’ Educational Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL). As part of their programming, SECMOL provides children and youth with the opportunity to play hockey by connecting them with equipment donated by international volunteers.
“This is an excellent opportunity to give your hockey equipment a second life and put it to great use,” said Andrew Wahba, Hockey in the Himalayas project coordinator. “With your help, we can provide children and youth who do not have the opportunity to play hockey the ability to do so.”
“It’s important to engage in acts that reflect caring and kindness, whether it’s for your next door neighbour or someone across the globe,” added Laura Logan, manager of Ehrlo Sport Venture. “Being able to help True Travellers create awareness and create positive change through hockey makes us feel connected.”
New or used youth hockey equipment is needed, including skates, helmets, gloves, and/or sticks. Monetary donations are also required to fund the cost of shipping.
All donations can be dropped off at the Ehrlo Sport Venture Library at 2730 5th Ave., Regina – weekdays between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and at 2345 Argyle St. (please call ahead 306-450-0103 and ask for Andrew, or call to make other arrangements).
Fundraising for Hockey in the Himalayas will continue throughout the month of November. All donations will be shipped to India at the beginning of December 2013, with the hope of having the equipment received by SECMOL by the year’s end.
Any excess equipment received through the donation campaign will be used to meet the needs of Ranch Ehrlo’s Outdoor Hockey League.
For more information, visit www.truetravellers.org/we-need-your-hockey-equipment-and-support/.
