One family will soon be the beneficiary of a wonderful gift courtesy of a local store.
The owner of the Thrifty Katz This N’ That in Ponoka came up with the idea of a special draw designed to make back to school and getting into sports much easier, and cheaper, for a local family.
“I was struggling not too many years ago around this time. Hockey, gymnastics, back to school clothes, school supplies then came Halloween and Christmas. It was like a person couldn’t catch a break,” said owner Katrina Kraft-Mohl.
“I just figure that’s where I struggled and that’s where I would like to help.”
Katrina explained her family was lucky to have been accepted one year into KidSport, a charitable group that helps with sports registration fees.
“But that was only $300 out of $825 registration fees for hockey, let alone the equipment he needed as well. Then my daughter wanted to bowl and, according to one of the (charitable) programs, bowling isn’t a sport so I couldn’t get help with hers,” she added.
The special draw is meant for local people — in Ponoka — with families being chosen through a nomination process. That process includes the child or children’s names and school grade as well as the name of the parents plus a phone number and a reason why the family is deserving of the nomination.
“I have not gotten that many nominations, maybe six. I think people are too proud to ask for help, but they should know they aren’t the only ones out there,” she said, noting the draw was supposed to be done Sept. 1.
“I have thought about extending it until the end of September if we can get more people and families involved.”
Nominations can be made at the store, located at 5006 - 50 St. or via email at kjkraft@hotmail.com.
All nominations will be kept confidential.