What good is a skating rink without ice skates? Not much good unless you’re playing broom ball. BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York (BCBS) and the Buffalo Sabres Foundation feel the same way. That’s why they’re getting together to orchestrate a three-day ice skate drop-off, so that people who want to skate at the restored MLK basin may do so.
Unlike Rotary Rink, there is no skate rental program (as of yet), and there is a clear need for hand-me-down skates that are no longer being used at home. If you have an old pair of skates in your basement or garage, consider offering them up to a community that would appreciate the chance to test out this wonderful rink this winter. “This program will allow individuals with unused ice skates in their attic, outgrown, or tucked away to ‘pay it forward’ to those who don’t own ice skates or may have never ice skated before,” stated Gretchen Fierle, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “The use of this Olmsted Park in winter months to engage in one of the region’s favorite healthy winter past-times at no cost supports our mission, and that of the Sabres Foundation.”
The Good Neighbor Skate Drop Off will take place December 27-29. Any size and any condition skate will be accepted, as the plan is to polish them up and put them back to good use as loaner skates. “The Buffalo Sabres are proud to partner with BlueCross BlueShield and support this excellent community program,” said Cliff Benson, the Sabres’ chief development officer. “Buffalo has always proven to be a tremendously generous city and we know this skate drive will go a long way in helping more people discover the joys of skating during the winter months.”
Below is all of the info that you need if you have skates and would like to donate them:
Friday morning December 27 from 7:30 am-10:30 am at the BCBS Headquarters (on the corner of West Genesee and 7th Street). Sabretooth will join BCBS representatives, greeting individuals and collecting skates during a drive-by drop off event.
On Saturday, December 28 individuals can drop-off skates at Pure Hockey at 3265 Sheridan Drive in Amherst from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm. Individuals donating skates will have the opportunity to meet the Buffalo Sabres’ Zemgus Girgensons, appearing between 4:00 pm-5:00 pm.
The drop-off concludes at Sunday, December 29th’s Sabres home game at First Niagara Center as early as 3 p.m. until faceoff time (5 p.m.). Individuals do not need a game ticket to donate at that time.
For additional information, call 716-887-8951 or visit www.facebook.com/BCBSofWNY.