Often the small bonuses we receive in the Battlefords go unnoticed, but without the support of many service organizations some of bonuses may not be possible.
Once again, nine clubs in the Battlefords have stepped forward to donate money to support free public skating in North Battleford.
The list of clubs includes: Bonaventure Lions Club, North Battleford Lions Club, Kiwanis Club of the Battlefords, North Battleford Kinsmen Club, The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 70, North West Hockey Development, Rotary Club of the Battlefords, North Battleford Elks Club and St. Josephs Knights of Columbus No. 7336.
Because of the support from local groups, the program continues to expand the number of hours offered and participant numbers continue to rise.
In 2007, nearly 62 hours of free skating was offered. That increased to 139 hours the next year, and last season 145 hours of free skating time was available.
Last season 5,421 participants took to the ice during the 145 hours, which has steadily increased from 2007 when 3,120 people skated.
The program includes options for all ages, as it has expanded from the original Monday night public skating at the Civic Centre, into extra holiday season skates, pre-school skates at both the Don Ross Arena and the Civic Centre and drop in shinny Saturday nights at the Agriplex. New this season is a 50+ Senior drop in shinny program Wednesday, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Civic Centre.
As these organizations continue to show their support for the free skating program in the Battlefords, they deserve thanks either in person or by showing up at the rink and making the most of the available ice throughout the winter season.
