Getting Ready - by Sami Jo

The day is finally here! I'm so excited, but also frantically rushing around trying to get everything ready. I don't want to forget a thing, especially not all the fun things we're bringing for the communities.
My puppy Sochi sits on my lap while I type this post, I'm trying to get in all the last minute cuddles I can. My fiance was down playing sledge hockey with our National Team in Rochester this week. I drove down to watch him play, but that's not the same as hanging out with the person. He gets back from Rochester in time to come watch my game this afternoon in the Canadian Women's Hockey League and then say hello and goodbye as I have to jet to the airport. I'll miss him the most as I tour the James Bay region. It's been such a hectic week, I really hope I remembered everything. We played a game last night in Glencoe, ON, about 3 hours from Toronto. I tried to pack almost everything last night, including my 1600 autograph cards I'm bringing, but it was late. My bags are heavy, but I know Freida's (my travelling buddy from Jumpstart) are even heavier!
Now it's off to pack my goalie equipment for my game, put the suitcases in the car, take Sochi for a walk, and then head to the arena. My excitement is starting to build as I am getting closer to the departure time, but I can't think too far ahead. My mind is already up north, already picturing what it will be like to hang out with the kids, and already getting ready for the adventure...oh ya, I still have a game to play!
Sami Jo

Packing, Packing and More Packing

We're putting the finishing touches and preparing for our visit. More than 14 bags full of sport and recreation equipment has been shipped out! Now to pack the Team's bags and get warmer winter coats!

Jumpstart, Sami Jo Small & Ontario Government Lauch the program

Oct. 28: Today we had the official launch of the new program! Here's a summary of this exciting program.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart in partnership with Sami Jo Small and the Ontario Government have created a new sport and recreation program for First Nation communities along James Bay. This program will provide much needed resources to help communities engage youth through sport and recreational activities.  

This unique partnership provides the building blocks for long-term success: youth wellness workers, sport and recreation equipment, and mentorship.

• Youth Wellness Workers: Canadian Tire Jumpstart provided funding for an additional youth wellness worker in Attawapiskat to ensure that all First Nation communities along the James Bay coast have youth wellness workers. (The Ontario Government provided funding for the other 4 workers.)

• Sport and Recreation Equipment: Seven northern First Nation communities will receive a customized Canadian Tire Jumpstart Kids Activity Kit. Each Kit includes equipment to start or extend programs in their community.

• Mentorship: The Canadian Tire Jumpstart team and three-time Olympian, Sami Jo Small will vist Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Weenusk, Chapleau Cree, Missanabie Cree and Taykwa Tagamou First Nations from Nov. 15 – 19.