Colts Donate $500,000 to Local Schools
The Barrie Colts have reached a milestone with their Adopt A School Program.
Now in it’s 5th season, the Colts Adopt A School program has reached the mark of $500,000 being donated to schools in Simcoe County. Each home game night, a different school is selected as being their ‘official school game’.
Colts players visit the school and attend a school assembly to talk to the kids and help promote the night. The school then sells tickets to the game at a special group rate. The Colts make a donation to that school of $6 for each ticket sold. The school choir is invited to go on the ice and sing the national anthem on the night of their game.
Monies raised through the program have been used to buy everything from sports equipment, to playground equipment, musical instruments and helped fund trips and outings.
“We are so happy that this program has been such a success. It really is a win, win situation for all involved,” said Colts president Howie Campbell. “It’s great for our players to go to the schools and talk to the students about all kinds of subjects. It creates some excitement at the schools and in the rink when they come to the games, and we can help provide some much needed funds to schools in Simcoe County.”
“I work with the schools to schedule their nights and I love taking our players to the school visits. The kids get so excited; it’s great to see,” said Melissa Bromley who manages the program for the Barrie Colts. “And seeing how they use the monies raised is rewarding.”
“It is much more than just a charitable donation for our school. It is a team and community building opportunity for our school to come together,” said Kim Redmond. “Our kids look forward to singing on the ice and being together – it’s one of the highlights of our year. It provides an affordable chance for the kids to go see the Colts play with an amazing contribution back to the school.”
The Barrie Colts are involved in many activities in the community. You can learn more about the adopt a school program and other community initiatives of the Colts at www.barriecolts.com
