Families with unused hockey pads, running shoes and lacrosse helmets taking up space in their garage are being asked to donate their old sports equipment for a good cause.
KidSport Tri-Cities is holding its spring used sporting goods sale this weekend and is hoping a last-minute donation drive will help bolster the inventory of usable gear for young athletes. Chris Wilson, the chair of the organization, said volunteers are hoping to break the $10,000 in sales record set last year.
"The sales are becoming really, really popular," he said. "We open at 10 a.m. and there is usually a lot of people lined up already."
Money from the sales goes to helping pay for registration and equipment for children who want to participate in sports but whose families may not have the financial means. This weekend is the fourth sale, which makes up a large percentage of KidSports' local fundraising efforts.
Families looking to get rid of some old sports equipment can bring their gear to:
Port Coquitlam rec complex;
Port Moody rec complex;
Poirier sports and leisure complex;
Cyclone Taylor Sports (562 Clarke Rd., Coquitlam);
and Corner Sports (2276 Elgin Ave., PoCo).
Those interested in purchasing equipment will find good deals at this weekend's sale, Wilson said. Hockey gloves, for example, cost $5, while skates range from about $10 to $15 for the smaller sizes.
He added that a child playing hockey can be outfitted from skates to helmet for about $100.
"We get some stuff that has never been used before," Wilson said. "To me, it is just win, win, win all around."
Lacrosse, baseball and soccer equipment are also available, along with other sports-related equipment such as treadmills, skis, snowboards and exercise gear.
This weekend's sale will take place at the Port Coquitlam rec complex (2150 Wilson Ave.) on Sunday March 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wilson said after 1 p.m., whatever equipment is left will drop in price by 50%.
