One hundred youth from the Collingwood region will be able to learn skiing and snowboarding for free this winter through Second Tracks, a new charity.
Youth between 12 and 16, who haven't been able to access the sport due to a financial barrier, will be provided transportation to and from Blue Mountain Ski Resort, free lift tickets, rentals, lessons and pizza on Sunday nights in one of two four-week sessions running January and February.
John Mealey, a former Canadian Alpine Team racer and owner of North Shore Ltd. of Collingwood, founded the new charity in partnership with Blue Mountain and the Simcoe/Muskoka YMCA Collingwood. Mealey is also the chair of the Second Tracks board of directors.
"I come from modest beginning in Sault Ste. Marie. Back in those days, everybody could participate in sports. Some kids don't have the luxury of that anymore," said Mealey, who lives in Collingwood.
The financial barrier is real. A one-day adult lift ticket at Blue Mountain ranges from $79 to $159. Equipment rentals are $60 to $70 per day. Plus you need proper outerwear, transportation, food and know-how.
"I thought of what it must be like to be 14 and see it (Blue Mountain) lit up every night and not to be able to be a part of it," Mealey said.
"I love the sport of skiing. It's given me so much. I want to help these kids get outside, try something new, have that feeling of exhilaration and build their confidence," he said.
So he met with Dan Skelton, Blue Mountain's president and chief operating officer to see if he'd be interested in Second Tracks.
"He said, 'I'm in' with no hesitation," said Mealey.
That gave Mealey the confidence to build the logistics of the program. The Collingwood Blues junior hockey team is donating its bus and driver, with Landmark Student Transportation as back up. Later Pizza of Collingwood is donating pizza to the participants.
Mealey tied in the YMCA due to his history with the Y in Sault Ste. Marie during his own youth. YMCA's Laura Kelly also had no hesitation getting involved.
"The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka believes no one should be denied access due to their financial means," said Kelly, the vice-president of philanthropy.
Second Tracks is a charity and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is providing tax receipts for donations, as well as promoting the program to local youth with financial barriers and complete intake forms.
"Second Tracks is an exciting new initiative that aligns with the Y's mission and vision, and will provide local youth with an amazing opportunity to access this educational program.
"The program's goal is to break down barriers for youth and their families, enabling them to participate in activities that may have been beyond their financial reach. This initiative is designed to foster positive mental health in an inclusive and supportive environment," she added.
If the pilot project goes well, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka would certainly be open to continuing this partnership next year, said Kelly.
Another part of Second Tracks is the gathering of donations of ski equipment and outerwear, some of which is coming from Georgian Peaks members.
North Shore is providing all the program administration, equipment management and funding. Blue Mountain is providing the lift tickets, rentals and use of its instructors - who are volunteering - for the program. Collingwood YMCA is coordinating the youth intake.
An orientation night for those interested in Second Tracks is being held Jan. 6 at the Collingwood YMCA at 6 p.m. The first program starts Jan. 12 but is full. Space is available in the second program starting Feb. 9.
Volunteers, equipment and financial donations are needed. For more information visit Second Tracks or email [email protected] .
