Washingtoner - Spokane: "Keep Kids Moving" – A Fund to Help Replace Recreation and Sports Gear

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~ Spokane, Wash. - In the aftermath of the devastating Spokane Complex Fire, a group of community partners have come together to support the youth who lost their homes in the disaster. The Spokane Parks Foundation, Northwest Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), City of Spokane Parks & Recreation, Spokane Public Schools, Mead School District, and Nine Mile Falls School District have joined forces to establish a fund called "Keep Kids Moving" that will help replace recreation and sports gear for these children.

The fund aims to provide new gear to kids who lost everything in the fire, ensuring that they can continue participating in recreational activities and organized sports. This could include items such as football or track shoes, as well as equipment for activities like dance, skiing, martial arts, or playground games.

To kick off this effort, the Seattle Mariners have donated $10,000 as initial funding. The Spokane Parks Foundation and the City of Spokane's H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund are also contributing matching funds of $5,000 each. Community members who wish to contribute to this cause can do so by visiting https://givebutter.com/keepkidsmoving.

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Families who were affected by the fire are encouraged to work with their school counselor if they have children who are high school seniors or younger. The counselors will assist them in filling out an application where they can specify their equipment needs and timing. This will help organizers get gear into the hands of those who need it for fall sports and activities immediately. For those with gear needs for winter activities, gift cards will be distributed over the next few months.

The assistance will be provided in the form of $100 gift cards to local sports and recreation equipment stores. Businesses interested in participating can contact parks@spokanecity.org.

According to Garrett Jones, director of City of Spokane Parks & Recreation, it is crucial to help restore access to healthy recreation and sports for kids who have been deeply impacted by the fires. He believes that this effort will not only provide hope but also help these children maintain a sense of normalcy and a healthy routine.

Mayor Lisa Brown also expressed her support for this initiative, stating that getting back to activities that make kids feel like kids is an essential part of the recovery process. She added that providing a donation from the HOME Starts Here Fund to replace equipment is one small way they can support the young people in their community.

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Yvonne Trudeau of the Spokane Parks Foundation emphasized the importance of keeping kids active and connected to their friends, activities, and community after losing so much in the fire. She believes that this effort will remove one more barrier and help these children get back to doing what they love.

Kasee Hildebrand, NATA District 10 Director, highlighted the commitment of athletic trainers to support the health, safety, and well-being of young people. She stated that they are proud to be a part of this effort to ensure that children affected by the Spokane-area fires have the equipment and resources they need to continue participating in sports and activities.

The "Keep Kids Moving" fund is a testament to the resilience and unity of the Spokane community in times of crisis. It serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, there are always people willing to lend a helping hand.

Filed Under: Government, City

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