Lions Club ‘Gear Up’ hockey & ringette campaign goes all-ages
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on August 17, 2024.
asmith@medicinehatnews.com The Lions Club of Medicine Hat is back for another year of supplying used hockey and ringette equipment to those who need it. This year, said James Higgins, committee chair, they’ve made a significant change to the gear they’ll be accepting. “We had a very generous donation last year from the Medicine Hat Tigers, the first time they’d come on board with us, and we really appreciate that, but most of their stuff is a bit larger in size,” said Higgins. “So we’ve decided to open it up to all ages. Doesn’t matter how old you are, it doesn’t matter if you play street hockey, if you play shinny, if you play beer league. If you need some equipment come on by and check us out.” This is the 11th year that the Gear Up campaign has gone on, said Higgins, and every year they see more community interest and involvement. What happens, he explained, is that the club takes in gently used equipment, inspects it to ensure it is in good repair and safe for further use, and then make the equipment available for free to those who need it the following day. “Kids grow every year. I mean, sometimes kids grow mid-season, so they have to replace the stuff, and that’s expensive,” said Higgins. “It’s just our way of giving back to the community so that they can get kids active, get them away from their screens, and get them playing sports.” Those who have equipment to donate are encouraged to bring it to the Hockey Hound Arena side door to the meeting room on Aug. 24. They will be accepting donations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lions Club of Medicine Hat asks that no clothes are donated. The free equipment for all ages will be available in the Hockey Hound Arena the following day on Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the best selection earlier in the day. 10-9
