Big donation to little hamlet
Chester kids take to ice after receiving hockey equipment
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, February 4, 2015
CHESTERFIELD INLET
Donated equipment has led to more hockey players taking to the ice in Chesterfield Inlet this season and more help could be on the way.
Retired RCMP officer Barry Hickman got the gear to Chester through his Northern Dreams A Smile One Skate At A Time program with help from Calm Air and the Western Canadabased J & R Hall Transport Inc.
Chester RCMP Const. Mark Fowler said the children in Chester loved the equipment.
He said about nine full bags of gear were distributed in the community.
"Kids still knock on my door to ask if we have any more gear," said Fowler.
"There was also some larger gear taken by adults in the community who couldn't afford to buy new hockey equipment for themselves.
"Now these guys are playing in the men's league every night of the week."
Fowler said while there were a few items in poor condition, most of the equipment was quality gear.
He said some of the young players didn't have any gear before the donation arrived, while others badly needed to update what they were wearing on the ice.
"Mostly, it was kids without any gear who got what they needed to play.
"I'm at the arena every second night, and the kids play just before we do.
"They love being able to play and they're tickled pink to have gear of their own."
Fowler said you see a big difference in behaviour with youths involved with sports in their community.
He said there's no doubt in his mind playing sports and being involved in other activities help a lot of children stay on the right path.
"I've been a police officer for eight years, and, the way I've seen it, a kid who's active and busy with sports and other community activities, is a kid who's not in trouble.
"We owe thanks to Barry (Hickman) for what he did, and Cpl. Ben Toutan and myself are working contacts in the south to keep this going because there's still a big need in the community.
"There's no commitment yet, but (Canadian Tire's) Jumpstart program is watching what we're doing to raise funds locally.
"We held one Leafs versus Habs game and we hope to hold another next week."
Fowler also reached out to one of the biggest corporate names in hockey.
He said he is quite optimistic after being in contact with Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment in Toronto.
"I wrote the company a letter to outline how dedicated the kids are and how much they love hockey.
"They loved the letter and they're going to send us some stuff to auction off.
"You don't see a true hockey fan until you come up here.
"These kids live and breathe hockey."
