For many, learning to skate is a fundamental part of growing up in Canada. However, the cost of skates can be prohibitive for many families.
The Delia Arena is aiming to help children and adults alike enjoy the winter activity.
Anyone with skates that are no longer being used are encouraged to donate their skates to the arena, so that others, many of whom are children, may borrow them for free when heading out on to the ice.
Many school groups utilize the arena throughout the week and not all of the children have their own skates.
“The school kids always need skates, because a lot don’t have their own. Today, we had Grade 5 and 6 kids. Out of 30 kids, about nine needed skates. It’s about the same ratio with other classes,” said Stan Hanson, manager of the Delia Arena.
The arena has been collecting skates for awhile, but after reorganizing their collection has put a call out for donations of skates and helmets. The arena currently has between 50 and 60 pairs of skates, encompassing a wide range of sizes.
“There are skates to use here. I can’t guarantee I have the right size though. We’ve always had skates here, but they were just thrown in buckets and not really organized. I’ve spent some time sorting them out and things have gone from there,” said Hanson.
The program comes at a time when a new pair of skates can be prohibitively expensive.
“A friend of mine just bought a pair for almost $400,” said Hanson. “There’s so much going on, it (buying a new pair of skates) might not be a priority. Some of the kids are just learning to skate now.”
Anyone wishing to donate is encouraged to drop off skates at the Delia Arena or the Delia Village Office.
The arena hosts public skates on Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend, borrow some skates, and participate in one of Canada’s most quintessential activities.