What is the Lethbridge Sport Bank? The Lethbridge Sport Bank provides safe, quality, gently used and new sport equipment to children, youth, and adults  who may otherwise be unable to afford the gear needed to participate in sport and active recreation.

What communities does the Sport Bank serve? The Sport Bank is available to individuals and families across southwestern Alberta experiencing financial barriers to purchasing sport equipment. We are working to develop partnerships in communities throughout the region to identify local contact people and establish convenient equipment drop-off and pick-up locations, making it easier for people to access the Sport Bank closer to home. 

Is the equipment free? Yes, all equipment is provided free of charge and yours to keep. It is not a loan and does not need to be returned.

How do I know if I qualify? The qualification information can be found on the ‘Equipment’ page of the website.

Can I apply for more than one person? Yes, you can apply for yourself, your spouse, and any minor children who reside in your household

Can adults receive equipment? Yes, adults can receive equipment at the Lethbridge Sport Bank

Do I have to be registered with an organized sport organization to receive equipment? No. You do not need to be registered with a sport organization. Equipment may be used for organized sport, recreational leagues, informal play, or other opportunities to be active and participate in sport.

How do I apply? When you go to the website, sportbank.ca, you’ll navigate to the ‘Equipment’ page. Review the criteria listed there before proceeding. Then you’ll choose the ‘Parent/Guardian Application’ button. Fill in the form

What happens after I apply? Once we receive your application, our staff will review it. If we have the equipment you will need, we will send you an email with instructions to book an outfitting appointment at the Sport Bank. If we do not have the equipment you need, we will reach out with next steps.

How long does the application process take? Generally, once we receive your application, we will reply within 1-2 business days to book your outfitting appointment. Your outfitting appointment should take place within 2 weeks of being booked.

How do I book my outfitting appointment? You will receive a link via email, where you will be able to see what time slots are available, and select one that works best for you.

What should I bring to my appointment? You will need to bring your proof of qualification to the appointment.

Does everyone receiving equipment need to attend the appointment? Yes, everyone receiving equipment will need to attend. This will ensure the best possible fitting of the equipment.

What sports equipment do you have? The selection of equipment varies depending on the season, and also what has been donated. We can’t promise that we will always have all the equipment you could possibly need, but we will always try to have what there is a need for.

Is the equipment new or used? Most of the equipment is gently used, though sometimes generous folks donate new or unused equipment also. All the helmets we distribute are new.

Is used equipment cleaned and sanitized? Yes, all equipment that is donated to the sport bank is first inspected to ensure it is safe and still has life left in it. It is then cleaned, and professionally sanitized in our sanitization machine.

What if you don't have the equipment or size I need? If we don’t have the equipment or size you need, we will add it to our current equipment needs list and put a call out to the community or other sport banks for donations. We will contact you if the equipment becomes available. 

Do I keep the equipment? The equipment you receive from the sport bank is yours to keep.

What happens if I/my child outgrows the equipment? Once you/your child outgrows the equipment, you can pass it on to someone else who can use the equipment, you can donate it back to the Sport Bank, or you can discard it in the event it has reached the end of its usefulness or is broken.

What equipment can I donate? We accept new and gently used equipment for most sports. There are a few items we are unable to accept (see the next question).  All donated equipment must still be useable and safe. If it is damaged, or too ‘broken down’, then we are unable to accept it.

What equipment don't you accept? We are unable to accept bikes, snowboard/ski equipment, swimming suits, gymnastics/dance body suits/leotards, & exercise /fitness equipment (e.g. stationary bikes, ellipticals, etc.)

Where can I drop off donations? There will always be a donation bin at the Lethbridge Sport Council office, located at 401 Laval Blvd West, on the second floor at Nicholas Sheran Ice Centre, as well as at MyCityCare. There will always be additional locations, and these will change regularly, so please visit our website for up to date location information.

Can I donate money to the Sport Bank? Yes, absolutely. Monetary donations will help cover the costs of collecting, transporting, inspecting, cleaning, sanitizing, storing, fitting and distributing equipment. Community members can make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor. Donations are being accepted through the Charitable Impact platform, and eligible donors will receive an official tax receipt. You can visit the donate page of our website for more information.

Where is the Sport Bank located? The sport bank is located at 1401 28 Street, in North Lethbridge, in the MyCityCare building.  Our entrance is on the east side of the building, you’ll see a Sport Bank sign above the door.

What are your hours? We don’t have set hours that we are open at this time, as all outfitting sessions are pre-scheduled appointments.  

Do I need an appointment? Yes, you do need an appointment. Once you fill in the application form on our website, you’ll receive an email with a link to book your appointment.

How can I contact the Sport Bank? The best way to reach us is by email, at sportbank@lethbridgesportcouncil.ca. Alternatively, you can reach out by phone to Jamie, 403-831.3724