“When you play a team sport, you learn about teamwork, commitment—all those things. I want that opportunity to be available to all kids if they want to play.” 

When he was five years old, Len Hoac’s family immigrated to Hannah, Alberta. His parents kept busy working in the restaurant business and, for the most part, Len kept to himself. It wasn’t until an individual got him involved in sports that he really began to hit his stride. 

“Hockey got me into the community more,” says Len. “Through sports, I’ve gained friends that I’m still friends with to this day — and we don’t even live in the same town anymore.” 

Today, Len resides in Stettler and owns the local Brick. Sports played a big part in shaping who he's become. Len wants all kids in the Stettler community to have that same opportunity. That's why he founded Gear Up Kids. The mission of the volunteer-run organization is to provide new, donated and refurbished sports equipment to kids in need at no cost. 

“Being active is important,” says Len. “I want every kid to enjoy sports and enjoy the recreational side of being a kid.” 

Gear Up Kids carries an assortment of sports equipment — from hockey skates and helmets to soccer cleats, golf clubs, baseball gear and bicycles — all collected by donation. Although they carry equipment for team sports, being on a registered team isn’t required. 

“I think we're the first of our kind… where we don’t just cater to kids that want to join team sports. We can also help the individuals who just want to partake,” say Len. 

To apply for equipment, Gear Up Kids follows a simple four-step process. First, a child gets referred to the program. After a referral is received, applicants schedule an appointment to get outfitted. Then, they’re free to take the equipment out on the field, ice, court — wherever they play. Once they outgrow their equipment, it’s re-donated or exchanged for a larger size to keep the cycle going. 

“The application process is really simple,” says Len. “And we’ve never declined anybody. The only time we can’t action an application is if we don’t have the particular item they need.” 

Len explains that inclusivity is the main goal for the organization. Outside of their annual Christmas Gala fundraiser, Gear Up Kids focuses heavily on equipment donation as opposed to monetary contributions. “We don’t want to compete with other established charitable groups,” says Len. “We do one fundraiser a year where we put on a gala and host company Christmas parties.” 

Despite not being able to host their annual Gala this year, Gear Up Kids hopes to renew the tradition next Christmas and are even brainstorming new ideas to ramp up their inventory. Len believes 2022 will be full of achievements for the organization. Why? Teamwork, of course. 

“I couldn’t do it without the help of my team,” Len says. “Everybody plays their own role in keeping Gear Up Kids running.”

To donate or refer a child in need this holiday season, visit gearupkids.ca.