Inuvik (May 12/06) - In a gesture of thanks, 40 high school students took their shovels to the Legion and cleared their parking lot of snow recently.

The removal of the white stuff was organized by physical education teacher Eric Church.

Church said the group of high school athletes were all willing to get physical and move some snow for a good cause.

"The students took the opportunity to give back to the Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary," said Church.

Throughout the year, both organizations have donated sums of money to help cut down on tournament travel costs for the sports teams.

Legion manager Derek Lindsay said the Legion has been giving money to the school sports program for more than a decade.

"I've been involved with the Legion for 10 years and they were doing it before that," said Lindsay.

This year, the Legion gave $5,000 to Samuel Hearne (SHSS) for their Super Soccer teams, and $2,000 to Sir Alexander Mackenzie school as well.

"Without their help, it would not be possible for SHSS's sports teams to attend such events," said Church.

Soccer player Michel Lindsay was one of the first athletes to start shovelling out the parking lot.

Michel said the gesture was a long time coming.

"It's about time we did something for the Legion," she said.

The 19-year-old soccer player has been playing since she was 11.

"I remember shovelling this lot with the cadet group too, so this is nothing new to me," said Michel.

Lindsay said the Legion donates half of its lottery intake to the schools.

"They just don't get enough money from the Department of Education to attend these tournaments," said Lindsay.

The Legion and Ladies Auxiliary both give bursaries to students of Samuel Hearne.

"We give to all schools in the Beaufort Delta," said Lindsay.