The Recreation Opportunities for Children Eastman is calling on the community for donations of gently used equipment to help local children participate in sports and arts activities. The Steinbach-based charity is currently looking for ballet and gymnastics gear in sizes 2T to 5T, as well as cross-country ski equipment, to help families overcome financial and logistical barriers to recreation.
Operating as a registered charity, the organization works to remove obstacles that often prevent children from taking part in extracurricular programs. These barriers can include the high cost of equipment, transportation challenges, or even the need for childcare for siblings so that a parent can support one child’s involvement in an activity. By collecting and redistributing donated items, the charity aims to ensure that children across the region—from the United States border to the Ontario border—have the gear they need to get active.
Donations can be dropped off at the organization’s warehouse, located at Unit 8, 110 Industrial Road in Steinbach. Staff are available to receive these items every Tuesday between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The charity operates on a year-round donation model, accepting sports equipment, music and art supplies, and books that are then given to youth who lack access to these resources.
Founded in 2009 as a pilot project, the organization has spent the last 17 years expanding its reach. To date, it has supported approximately 800 families throughout the region. The group holds four community giveaway events annually—two in the spring and two in the fall—where they transport donated equipment directly to families in various communities via trailer.
The warehouse relocation to Industrial Road was approved by the City of Steinbach council to help the organization reduce operational costs. By downsizing their space, the charity is able to redirect more funds directly into programming for children, ensuring their long-term ability to support families across the Eastman region.
