Two Sarnia programs that aim to break down barriers for girls looking to play hockey and lacrosse are being recognized.
Brian DeWagner and June Partridge, the founders of Janie Lax and Janie Puck, are recipients of this year’s TD Thanks You campaign. The initiative celebrates community contributions that have enriched the lives of those around them.
DeWagner said they started Janie Lax, the lacrosse program, about 10 years ago, followed by Janie Puck about five years later. He said since then, they've registered over 1,000 girls.
"We had two daughters and just wanted to provide something that was affordable and accessible. The sports world has gotten a little bit out of hand at every level across every sport."
DeWagner, who works for the Lambton Kent District School Board, said the first five years of Janie Lax operated completely with no fees, 'donate if you can' model. They added small fees to cover insurance and other things after the five year mark.
He said the programs are the tools they use to reach kids.
"Sports is just one thing. It could be music, it could be anything in the arts, but really just passionately tuned into the fact that they have to belong to something and they need purpose and a sense of direction and a peer group with shared values and all of those things that keep these kids out of trouble and keep them pointed in the right direction."
Partridge and DeWagner were recently surprised with portable lacrosse goals, and women’s sticks for both sports from TD. A storage unit was also gifted to help support storage for all girls’ gear. DeWagner said the contributions will go a long way.
"Like our nets were duct-taped together -- those are $300 each -- and I don't know how many times we've gotten to the end of a season and suddenly I've had to pay $500 out of my pocket to replace this or that. So, with them buying us gear, even just little things like mouth guards and lacrosse balls, without that help we probably couldn't do it."
DeWagner said they've seen the need for more involvement on more levels.
"We really hope to cross the decade of us doing this that it's more than just us giving opportunities to kids and specifically girls, but it's proving a point that sports don't have to look the way that they currently look, and some of this stuff is easy enough to do. Community programs, whether it's a theatre program that pops up or an arts program or anything, different sports programs that pop up, people can do this."
The two programs have grown to regularly unite groups of 80-100 girls aged four to 12 in the spring and fall season.
With files from Stephanie Chaves