Family services society looks for sporting equipment for youth

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A local non-profit is seeking public donations to help kids back into sports.

Nenan Dane Zaa Deh Zona Family Services Society has put out a request for donations of gently-used sporting equipment, says executive director Derian Young.

Assisting Indigenous families and youth, Nenan Dane says it is committed to “nurturing the creation of child-centered systems of support that honor and meaningfully engage children and families by linking to their distinct culture, traditional practices and languages” on its website. 

“[Our] Child and Youth Services department supports children, youth and their families in topics relating to mental health and stress management,” said Young. “[Part of that is] through healthy lifestyle choices such as sports and movement.

“We are hoping to have a supply of equipment children and youth can use during their one-on-one appointments with youth service workers or as a team during youth group-organized events.”

Young described the society’s budget as “vastly operational” leaving little for extra programs like what it is hoping to accomplish. 

According to amateur sports organization the Sport Information Resource Centre, a study conducted in 2021 showed youth score higher academically and have decreased levels of anxiety and depression and a better quality of life versus less athletic students.

Young says the organization is looking for an “array” of used goods, including hockey nets and sticks, volleyball equipment, basketballs, soccer balls and even hockey pucks.

“Anything that promotes sports and movement,” Young said. “We are open to any gently-used sporting equipment for any season.”

To donate, please call the office at 250-787-2151 or email Chris Foster, Indigenous child and youth mental health navigator for the society, at cfoster@nenan.ca.