WESTLOCK — Another local sports team is getting some help from Westlock residents and customers of Kal Tire and their High-Five program.
Kal Tire’s High-Five program first began in 2019, and since then, with the exception of a pandemic pause, has contributed to local sports teams by donating a portion of funds from services and products purchased by participating residents at the local business.
“We hand out business cards (in the parade) and if people bring the business card into me when they make their purchase, I will donate five per cent of their purchase to the team or organization,” said Kal Tire manager Kevin Gouchie, noting business cards are also given out to the community in the fall.
This year’s recipient of the High-Five program and a total of a $2,297 donation, is the senior girls basketball team at R.F. Staples School who will put the money towards new team jerseys for the players.
Prior to the pandemic the program also raised funds for the Westlock Minor Hockey Association and the Pembina Ringette Association and last year the Westlock Thunderbirds Football Club received a donation.
Gouchie noted local schools will also be receiving additional funds later this year as well, and explained that funds from the program will be allocated twice this year and going forward the program will return to once a year in the fall.
“In the spring the plan is to do it for the physical education program at Westlock Elementary School and then next fall we’ll be doing it for St. Mary’s (School). St. Mary’s hasn’t decided what they’re going to use the money for yet, but it will be something to do with sports,” he added, whether it goes to some new equipment or to one of the school’s sports teams.
The fundraising campaign begins each fall after the Westlock Ag Fair parade at the end of August and runs until the second or third week of November each year, with funds distributed to sports teams or organizations in December.
“It’s all about community involvement,” said Gouchie, noting the example his parents set with their community involvement and giving back. “Sports has a special place in my heart and when I got to a position where I could find a way to give back, I wanted to. I want to grow the program and I want to get it to the point where people are coming to me and asking who they are helping out (in the community) this year,” said Gouchie.
