The Okotoks Minor Hockey Association is still keeping busy, despite having had to cancel their season.

They're putting together a food, clothing, and toiletry drive to take place on February 27th.

OMHA President Geoff Ward came up with the idea along with Amy Snyder, who runs the OMHA's mental wellness program.

With the season cancelled, the pair wanted a way to keep athletes engaged while lifting them up and giving back to the community.

Stewart says he also drew from his experience working with the Interfaith Food Bank in Lethbridge, not only with past events but also in identifying what items youths would be in need of.

"Because it's that age demographic of hockey players, male and female, there's probably kids out there who need clothing, and surprisingly there's a number of kids that need the toiletries and just that day-to-day stuff."

He says the drive is a way for athletes to engage with the community in a meaningful way, with players spreading awareness of the event weeks prior.

"I think kids are struggling a bit, right? They're going through tough times, you know, masking up at school and having all these lockdowns and all these different things. It's just showing 'hey, let's be positive, let's get back to the community,' and a bit of a lesson that as a hockey organization, we can do some good for the community and bring everybody together."

Ward says the drive is also a way to keep players connected with coaches.

"It engages some of our coaches, managers, and trainers to have that touchpoint again with the athletes and bring them somewhat together, whether they're canvassing on social media or dropping a flyer off."

The drive will benefit the Okotoks Food Bank and Okotoks Youth Clothing Exchange, as well as providing items for basic needs kits for local youth initiatives.

Items can be dropped off at the Okotoks Rec Centre parking lot on February 27th.

 

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