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Canadian Tire staff and Castlegar firefighters serve up burgers for Jumpstart Day

Canadian Tire employees and Castlegar firefighters were on hand outside the store to help sell burgers and raffle tickets for Jumpstart Day.
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Nick Ahlefeld

Canadian Tire employees and Castlegar firefighters were on hand outside the store all day Saturday to help sell burgers and raffle tickets for Jumpstart Day.

"We had a barbecue to help raise awareness for our Jumpstart program," said  Nick Ahlefeld, store general manager and Jumpstart volunteer. "All the funds we raise with the barbecue stay in the community. The more money we raise, the more kids we can help."

To date, the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program has helped more than 600 kids in the Castlegar area participate in sports.

"It's a great cause," he said. "We really appreciate everyone who's come down and given us a hand."

The kids who qualify for Jumpstart, which is a national program, receive up to $300 for participating in various organized sports and recreation.

"The idea is to get them out in a regular fitness exercise to promote healthier living and look towards better health for future generations," said Kerry Saari, head of the Castlegar Jumpstart program. "We're excited to be able to contribute."

"I personally believe in physical activity, sport, for two reasons: one, it gets them active, and two, it gets them socialized. They can communicate and be friends with other people in their age group," said Ahlefeld. "If they don't have the money, at least our program can help fund that. I think it's an excellent program."

For more information on Jumpstart, you can check out the website. Go to www.canadiantire.ca and click on jumpstart.