Sporting a good cause

The idea that sports is the best drug deterrent has led the OPP and a local sporting goods store to ask area residents to donate used hockey equipment.

Initiated in the Timmins area, Source for Sports stores and OPP detachments across Northern Ontario are asking the public to drop off gently-used hockey gear at participating stores for less fortunate youth.

The project was spearheaded by former NHL player Paul Harrison, who became an OPP officer after retiring from hockey. Harrison believes that becoming involved in sports is the best drug prevention program for kids, said Thunder Bay OPP detachment commander Staff Sgt. Dan Peters.

“The OPP, we like to be involved in the communities we work with,” he said. “Anything that can put a positive spin with youth we are fully behind.”

Many of the Thunder Bay OPP officers have played or still play hockey and Peters said the sport is a great outlet for kids.

In Thunder Bay, equipment can be dropped off at Dave Wilson Source for Sports at 624 Simpson St. from Aug. 29 until Sept. 10.

“It’s a very important cause to get the kids involved and active in the community and just to keep them involved in sports,” said store owner Dave Wilson.

Anyone who misses the Sept. 10 deadline can still drop hockey gear off for a few days after and for any communities without a Source for Sports store, equipment can be dropped off at the local OPP detachment offices.