Extra Foods donated close to $1,000 to the Trail chapter of KidSport earlier this week as part of the Loblaws food chain’s national effort to help underprivileged kids.
Each year, the Extra Foods banner lends its support to numerous causes through its “Give a Little, Help a Lot” campaign where shoppers are asked to donate towards the KidSport fund.
“Being involved in local sports, I know there is a need for it and its great because it gives the less fortunate the same opportunity as the rest of the kids, they can now go participate and I’d like to see it get stronger every year,” said Extra Foods manager Blair McCauley.
Since its official launch in September, Trail KidSport has already made it possible for many local kids to register for a sporting activity.
“It was a great campaign this year,” said KidSport committee member, Christine Forbes. “We’ve had lots of first year donors and so far we’ve funded 21 kids in our region.”
Local businesses and organizations have jumped on board the KidSport wagon to help local kids, the Smoke Eaters donated funds last weekend, and Kootenay Savings and Teck became long-term partners, each donating $20,000 over five years.
“That’s the nice thing, it’s actually being used in your own community, so each of the stores is set up that way, and it gets put where you can see it, so it has a nice hometown touch to it.” McCauley added.
KidSport funds up to $200 per year per child to register for one or more sports of their choosing. If they want to play hockey and soccer, they can split the funds between the two registrations.
Applications are available at the Trail Aquatic and Leisure Centre for families who wish to apply for the program.
Extra Foods is also engaged in helping out local Food Banks during its Holiday ‘Extra Helping’ food drive.
Visit the store at the Waneta Plaza to contribute to a good cause and ensure residents don’t go hungry over the holidays.