Tri-City families will soon have the chance to get some amazing deals on sports equipment while helping their neighbours get into the game.
The KidSport Tri-Cities used sporting goods sale is set for Aug. 17 at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
"It's great because people get a chance to do something with their gear that's just taking up space in their garage or basement. People can get stuff at a really reasonable price," said organizer Chris Wilson.
He said a comparison performed last year showed the cost to equip a 10- to 12-year-old for hockey runs at about $650 plus tax. That same gear will cost about $100 at the KidSport sale, and you also save the tax.
"Especially with young kids who grow out of things so quickly, it's a great opportunity for families to save a ton of money," said Wilson.
One of the biggest challenges for the event, according to Wilson, is having to store the equipment that isn't sold.
"Last sale had more than a five-ton moving truck of equipment left over so we're really trying to get more people out so we can sell more and help more kids."
That equipment is all donated by the community, with a number of drop-off locations set up throughout the Tri-Cities.
Until Aug. 9, sporting goods can be dropped off at Centennial Secondary or Gleneagle Secondary. From Aug. 7-16, equipment can be donated at the Port Coquitlam rec centre, Port Moody rec centre, Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex or Thriftopolis on Lougheed Highway.
KidSport will accept all types of sporting goods, from hockey and lacrosse gear to skis and fitness equipment.
"Lacrosse is such a popular sport in the Tri-Cities and we just always struggle to get enough lacrosse gear. I think part of it is that it lasts a little longer, it's harder to find initially so people tend to horde it a little bit," said Wilson, adding bikes are another popular item with shoppers.
"We usually get 50-60 bikes and they're usually gone in the first hour."
Last year's two sales - one is held in March as well as in the summer - each brought in about $17,000 and Wilson is aiming to reach $25,000 this time around, enough to help out more than 100 local children.
"It makes a big difference. In 2012 we gave out 609 grants worth almost $125,000, so we need to keep raising a ton of money."
Wilson said KidSport addresses the challenge faced by so many families coping with rising registration fees and equipment costs. Those costs are only compounded by the additional expenses that crop up over the season.
"We can pay registration fees, we can provide your equipment really cheap and then hopefully the family can manage the tournament fees and other costs," he said.
The sale will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 17, with admission by donation to the food bank.
