Saugeen District Senior School students with the snowshoes purchased through the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities Sport Relief Fund. From left, Leah Gowan, Bella Davidson, Sarah Etedali-Zadeh, Madeline Miranda, and Adrian Martin. Photo submitted

In September, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities announced an $8 million Sport Relief Fund to help sport and recreation organizations in Canada continue to deliver programming in 2020 and beyond.

"Many community organizations have shut their doors due to the financial burden created by COVID-19, including lost revenue and increased program costs," said Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) Vice-Principal Kelly Wilkins in an email to Saugeen Shores Hub, adding that SDSS has experienced the impact of the pandemic first-hand and that SDSS is among 688 sport and recreation organizations across the country that will be provided with grant support through the Sport Relief Fund.

"We are beyond grateful to receive this news and know how positive an impact it will have on sport and recreation organizations, and ultimately, on kids across the country," Wilkins said.

With Jumpstart’s support, SDSS has been able to purchase two class sets of snowshoes for elementary and secondary students at the school to use this winter.

"This will allow our students to be physically active, be outdoors and continue to socially distance," added Wilkins. "We are very excited to be able to offer this opportunity to our students."