Lions Club ready to equip local kids again with annual Gear Up

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on August 13, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Now is the time to take a look in garages for old hockey and ringette gear, as the Lions’ Gear Up event is right around the corner.

This year’s event will mark 12 years of the good faith gear exchange program, which allows for families to source gently used equipment at no charge, and pass along any gear that is no longer needed.

“We know it’s tough economic times for everybody,” said James Higgins with the Lions Club of Medicine Hat. “So what we do is we take in donations of gently used sporting equipment for hockey and ringette, and we have it all looked at and inspected to make sure it’s safe, then we turn around and we pass it out to families that want to have their kids involved in sports, but can’t necessarily afford the equipment all the time.”

The event will be held at the Hockey Hounds Recreation Centre in the social room, with drop-off for donated equipment running Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families will be able to pick up equipment on Aug. 31 for the same hours.

“Kids grow every year, things change every year. I mean some kids even change skate sizes midway through the season,” said Higgins. “It’s just our way of giving back to the community. I mean, we’re Lions, we serve. If there’s a need, there’s a Lion.”

The club does not take clothing items as donations, and they shy away from cup guards as Higgins says that can be “a bit personal,” but any other piece of equipment related to hockey or ringette is welcome provided it is still in good shape, including helmets, skates, sticks or any other piece.

All pieces will be inspected for safety purposes before becoming available to take.

This exchange comes free of charge, but there will be an opportunity to donate should anyone wish to support the Lions Club of Medicine Hat and their various activities throughout the community.

“We’d just really like to thank the community for their support, to be able to keep doing this for twelve years,” said Higgins. “And we really hope to see everyone there.”

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