A $5,000 donation from the local Safeway is helping Prince Rupert Middle School replace volleyball equipment that’s nearly 30 years old.
“Volleyball is such a growing sport in the community,” said Safeway’s manager Ranjit Gill. “Kids are starting off playing younger, and it’s getting pretty big.”
He noted that middle schoolers have shown a strong interest in the sport to their coaches, and their involvement is helping to keep them more positively engaged.
The school applied to the supermarket’s community funding program, which periodically reviews and supports meaningful projects in the city.
“Volleyball is a sport that our students are able to pursue that allows them to develop sportmanship and teamwork while improving their mental and physical wellbeing,” said the school.
The school is optimistic that by providing the right environment and resources to develop students’ skills, they can participate in competitions across the province. This would be a valuable opportunity, especially for students who have not otherwise had the chance to experience new places.
“As we work to grow the sport of volleyball in our community, it is imperative that we have safe, modern equipment for our students,” said the school.
Gill was happy to share that the school will now be able to replace the aged setup with new nets, poles, balls and other training equipment.
“It’s a valuable thing to invest in our community,” he said.
| June 16, 2025
