Now that kids are back in class, they'll be ready to roll thanks to a Whalley skateboard shop.
Authentic Board Supply has collaborated with B.C. skateboard group OneAreaCode to send local youth back to school with care packs valued at more than $1,600, with each care pack consisting of enough shoes, clothing and school supplies to see kids confident, warm and prepared for the winter.
Authentic Board Supply currently hosts programs by OneAreaCode, whose mission is to support the education, physical and mental wellbeing of the school-aged skateboard community.
OneAreaCode has a volunteer network of more than 120 skateboarders. It has collaborated with 70 Californian and Canadian skateboard companies to deliver subsidized shoes and equipment for school-aged skateboarders who are a positive influence on their peers.
"OneAreaCode volunteers all share in common an appreciation of how blessed we are to have skateboarding in our lives," said Mike "Hippie Mike" Faux of Authentic Board Supply. "We're doing what we can to ensure younger generations have a positive life experience through the fun of skateboarding.
"I'm a huge promoter of helping the next generation of skateboarders to grow strong with confidence and positivity through programs that get kids of the couch and outside being active."
Ten B.C. board shops that host OneAreaCode programs will each receive a care pack for a young skateboarder from their community.
"We are thankful to be sending 10 kids off to school better outfitted for this year," said Faux. "We achieved this with the support of OneAreaCode brands who were given only only days notice in which to organize $16,000 worth of clothing. Next year, with more time and the support of the community, we will be able to help a lot more kids."
Provincial statistics show that 67 per cent of young skateboarders come from single-mother families.
Faux urges skateboarders and parents of skateboarders, past and present, to get behind OneAreaCode and support their programs. With skateboarding being a non-organized sport, parents can't look to existing sports programs that make equipment and participation accessible for marginalized young people, he said.
"We're not trying to get everyone skateboarding, or save the world, we just want to ensure that dedicated kids who love skateboarding and who are positive role models are looked after and rewarded for doing what is good for society and their family," said Faux. "This is a chance for these kids to feel special and appreciated for everything they do for their community and for the next generations of skateboarders."
The OneAreaCode's back-to-school care packs were made possible with the donations from Supra Shoes, Krew Clothing, Herschel, Kayo, LRG, Altamont, Chance, JSLV, Neff SAXX, Westview Ford, Rice Toyota, 133, Boardwalk, and Monk office.
To apply for a back-to-school pack, or to donate, visit the www.oneareacode.com