Skating for kids

Austin Dunn gets plenty of skating in with the Westfort Rangers, but the 10-year-old is always up for another lap or two around the ice.

The youngster was joined by hundreds of other kids and parents on Saturday, at the annual Santa Claus Skate in support of PRO Kids at the Port Arthur Arena.

It was helping others that brought him out on one of the chilliest nights Thunder Bay has weathered this fall.

“Just to support PRO Kids and let people play sports,” he said. “I’m having a good time out there and just feeling good.”

Austin was also excited for a chance to meet some of his heroes. The Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team, which until this year hosted their own skate, sent out some of the troops to sign autographs and interact with skaters.

“I met Brock McPherson, Mitch Maunu and Kalvin Sagert,” he said.

Alexandra Harbinson was there for camaraderie.

“You get to see some friends that you don’t see much anymore,” she said.

Ten-year-old Shay Boucher agreed.

“I get to have fun with my friends and it’s fun to be skating because I haven’t been skating for a year or two.

The evening included a brief appearance by Jolly Old Saint Nick himself, who oversaw the rubber duck toss.

But, said organizer Laura Daniele, the night was all about raising funds and building awareness for PRO Kids, an organization that helps underprivileged kids register for sports and other recreational opportunities.

The need continues to grow, she said.

“The demand is astounding this year. We had in the fall 700 applications to PRO Kids, which is a record, actually, for the fall,” Daniele said. “This is a great turnout tonight. We thought we’d try a new venue tonight. We’re usually at the Gardens. We have an excellent show of community spirit here.”

Daniele added another skate will be held in the spring.