Skates for Cam Bay project scores heartwarming goal
Almost a year after it began, the Skates for Cam Bay project has achieved its goal in a marvellous way.
Cambridge Bay, in Nunavut, is similar to Yarmouth in that fishing is an important industry in both communities and young folk enjoy skating and playing hockey.
However, proper equipment for children in Cambridge Bay was sadly inadequate a year ago.
Former Yarmouth residents, RCMP Const. Brandon Goudey and his wife, Kayla, were posted to Cambridge Bay (pop. 1,700) three years ago.
They noticed when they attended public skates at the rink, some children were using skates two to three sizes too large and those who didn’t have a hockey or bike helmet were using baseball helmets.
Regardless of not always having proper gear, Kayla says the youngsters were smiling and “so happy to be out on the ice.”
When Kayla told her mother-in-law Kelly Goudey about the situation, Kelly decided to do something about it.
As the mom of two children who grew up playing hockey, Kelly knew that many homes like hers were likely full of outgrown gear.
So, she launched Skates for Cam Bay and asked for donations to help outfit the Cambridge youngsters with proper equipment.
Over the past nine months, 72 pairs of skates, ranging in size from tots to adult, 30 helmets, two pair of gloves, one goalie mask, five goalie pads, a chest protector, glove and blocker were donated.
The Yarmouth resident picked up some donations from as far away as Amherst, Halifax and the Annapolis Valley. A few skates were purchased at Frenchys and other people donated cash that was applied to shipping and purchasing inner soles and skate laces.
Geoff Baker of Yarmouth, who has skate-sharpening equipment at his home, donated his time and sharpened “many, many pairs” of skates prior to shipping.
Shipping the donations was one of the biggest challenges, but it was eventually addressed.
One shipment was covered by local cash donations and much was sent on free shipping Tuesdays through Canada Post during the month of October. The remaining shipping cost of the boxes was covered by the Department of Healthy Living office in Cambridge Bay.
Kelly says it’s heartwarming to know people were able to connect with this northern community to fill a need.
“When I started the project, I envisioned sending 100 pair of skates, that was my goal, she says.
“It morphed into something more as we received helmets, goalie gear, skate guards and gloves. It was more than I had hoped for and a great example of generosity and the spirit of giving.”
She received a letter from Cambridge Bay Mayor Pamela Gross expressing thanks.
“The generosity of Yarmouth people – sending sharpened skates and helmets – brings movement to warm the soul," read the letter. "Thank you so very much for spearheading this powerful impetus for healthy living."