A total of 15 kids from across the region benefited from a free firearms and hunter safety course. The three-day certification ran from Friday to Sunday and wrapped up at the Iroquois Legion with a celebratory barbecue.
Local couple, Mike and Crystal Barkley, raised nearly $5,000 through an online auction to offer the course at no cost to the youth. Crystal says people from the United States and all across Canada donated hunting and fishing items to make it possible.
She says the purpose of the course is to teach youth how to provide for their families and stay out of trouble by pursuing a hobby.Â
This is the second year the couple has raised money to offer the certification for free. Six local youth took part last year.
Crystal says the course is open to kids with special needs. Planning for next year’s course is already underway.