Ringette Rodeo rounds up equipment

When Katherine Casey enrolled her two girls in ringette, she noticed not all the players were using the proper equipment — some were wearing wrong sizes, others were using old hockey pads.

Casey discovered there was nowhere to get ringette equipment for those on a budget. She teamed up with the Calgary Ringette Association and The Ringette Store for the first Ringette Roundup; a charity drive to collect used equipment for girls in need.

“I started this in March, so I started trying to collect the gear at the very last tournament of the year,” she said. “There was a fair amount of equipment within the first 24 hours.”

Families are asked to donate any used ringette gear. The Ringette Roundup is the first stage of the Ringette Rodeo, where the donated equipment will be distributed to those in need.

“I think because the equipment is so expensive, it is a game that is difficult to get into. I’m trying to drive this toward families who do need help getting into it.”

Equipment can be dropped off during July and August at The Ringette Store, 108A, 3604 52 Ave N.W. Good Samaritans who donate will receive a 20-per-cent discount coupon from The Ringette Store for a future purchase.

The Ringette Rodeo will be held Aug. 21 at the Ernie Starr Arena. The Ringette Store will have staff on site to properly size players before handing out donations.

Additional equipment can be dropped off during the event on Aug. 21 between 11 a.m. and noon, with gear distributed 12-2 p.m.