The Downtown Kingston BIA is offering free lessons to children from 5-12.
The Downtown Kingston BIA is offering free skating lessons at Springer Market Square.
Learn to Skate is a five-week program that teaches children ages 5-12 the fundementals of ice skating. It also provides them with skates at no cost.
BIA events manager Sandi Griffiths says they started the program last Sunday and the spots filled up quickly.
The BIA was able to get the program off the ground thanks to a grant from JumpStart. Participants were referred to by the Boy and Girls Club South East and KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services.
Griffiths says learning how to skate in the elements makes it a unique experience especially for those who are new to Canada.
There are volunteers who help the youngsters put on and lace-up the skates.
Griffiths says seeing the joy in the children's faces makes their hearts warm even on the coldest of days.
The Springer Market Square skating rink will remain open to the public as lessons are being given. The next session is set for Feb. 1.
Story by Ken Hashizume
