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DEH CHO - Forty pairs of snowshoes are getting some heavy use this winter thanks to a new initiative by a recreation organization.

While thinking about program ideas for the Mackenzie Recreation Association, Deborah Stipdonk was reminded of the bookmobiles, vehicles that used to bring books to communities that didn't have libraries.

Members of the Tracks and Trails club in Fort Liard strap on pairs of the snowshoes lent to them by the Mackenzie Recreation Association before going for a walk in December. Members include, from left, Darla Sassie, Tyrone McLeod, Taeresha Berreault, Kali Norn and Kaitlyn Nelson. - photo courtesy of Roslyn Pruitt

"I was thinking maybe there would be an opportunity to do that with sports equipment too," said Stipdonk, the association's executive director.

Based on this idea, the association purchased 20 pairs of commercial snowshoes with metal frames. At the beginning of the winter the association started offering to loan the snowshoes for free to any interested organization. So many people responded that the association bought another 20 pairs to meet the demand.

"It's been a really positive thing," said Stipdonk.

Groups that have borrowed and used the snowshoes to date include Deh Gah school in Fort Providence, the Tracks and Trails Club in Fort Liard, Thomas Simpson school and the Girl Guide group in Fort Simpson. There are also four pairs based at the Fort Simpson recreation centre for individuals to sign out.

"We just want to see them used," she said.

The Mackenzie Recreation Association pays the shipping to move the snowshoes between communities. All the groups have to do is sign an agreement promising to look after them and provide a small report on how they were used, said Stipdonk.

This is the first time the association has offered a sports equipment loan program. In the past the association, which has a mandate of promoting healthy living, has focused on organizing activities such as sports tournaments.

Stipdonk said she chose snowshoes because snowshoeing is a sport that can be done in every community.

"It's good for people of all ages and fitness levels," she said.

The snowshoes are also easily transportable and one size fits anyone weighing from 70 up to 200 pounds.

"It's our hope it would stir up some interest," Stipdonk said of the snowshoes.

If the demand for the snowshoes continues, the association will look at expanding the program in the future, she said.

The snowshoes were well received when they made a stop in Fort Liard.

The Tracks and Trails Club, which focuses on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, borrowed some of the snowshoes when the club started in December.

"It gave us a chance to assess if we needed to get some for the club," said Roslyn Pruitt, the head coach for the group.

Because some of the youth had tried it before they were more comfortable on snowshoes than on skis, said Pruitt. The loaned snowshoes are a wonderful idea, she said. After testing the borrowed pairs the club purchased 10 pairs of their own.

"It's a terrific program," said Pruitt.