About Us

Thanks for visiting OUR SITE. We LOVE that you want to help kids PLAY!

Everything there is to know about us.

Who we are

Gear Up Kids Foundation is a volunteer-operated, non-profit group, of community-minded individuals from Stettler who want to see children in need have access to necessary sports equipment required for an active childhood in Stettler and the surrounding area.

What we do

Gear Up accepts gently used and new sports equipment from our donors. However, there are still many items that Gear Up must purchase for both safety and inventory purposes. We get equipment into the hands the kids in need through a referral and application process. See our flow chart below for a more precise look in how we do it…

Gear Up accepts gently used and new sports equipment for many different sports including Hockey, Lacrosse, Baseball, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, Badminton, Rollerblades, Skateboards, and Scooters! All donated equipment can be dropped off at the Stettler Brick.

Click here for a list of accepted equipment.

Volunteers and staff sort and separate equipment into three categories:

Great condition – good for immediate use.

Good condition – needs minor repairs.

Poor condition – unsafe for use.

To apply for sports equipment, a letter of referral must be sent to Gear Up Kids Foundation from the referring agency. Referrals come to us from KidSport, Heartland Youth Center, social service agencies, teachers, counsellors, coaches, or community workers. Families who receive equipment from us bring back old equipment they have outgrown, continuing the cycle of giving.

Children must be accompanied by a guardian and are required to come to Gear Up Centre located at 5009 48^th Street, Stettler, Ab, to be outfitted with equipment. Our staff and volunteers measure and outfit kids in person to ensure a perfect fit.

Gear Up’s first priority is to provide equipment for kids and youth in the Stettler and surrounding area. Gear Up will also consider equipment requests from communities outside of our immediate area if we have a surplus of the equipment requested.

There are some items that Gear Up must purchase, some for safety reasons and others because they are not often donated.

Gear Up is committed to repairing, reusing, and recycling as many donations as possible. However, there are still many items that Gear Up must purchase for both safety and inventory purposes. Gear Up participates in and receives support from community initiatives to raise funds and equipment donations. We depend on our partners and supporters to keep our doors open and our programs running.

Our Staff

Len Hoac

President/Founder

President – To lead and motivate the staff, ensuring that members feel inspired, motivated and dedicated to the Gear Up Kids Foundation Mission.

Jason Hegberg

Vice President

Vice President – Coordinates programs with the executive committee and works with local group leaders to create awareness and encourage more athletic participation.

Katie Bainbridge

Treasurer

Treasurer – Responsible for the organization’s money and keeping accurate books, money collection and disbursements. Also maintaining effective records and upholding the legal requirements of a Not-For-Profit Organization.

Kathy Hoopfer

Secretary

Secretary – Works closely with the Treasurer. Ensures meetings are effectively organized and minutes are recorded for each meeting.

Kenton Hoopfer

Development Director

Responsible for spearheading the foundation’s fundraising efforts and special events coordinator. Ensures the foundation meets its annual fundraising goals.