Landyachtz fundraising for kids skatepark in isolated Ahousaht, B.C.

Kids in the remote First Nations villageof Ahousaht, off the west coast of Vancouver Island,could soon get a skateboard park, asoutreach workers strive to help young people feeling isolated.

Ahousaht is located on FloresIsland, a45-minute boat ride north of Tofino, B.C. and is home to about900 people. But the isolation has contributed to some social issues including a number of suicides or attempted suicidesover the years.

Grant Shillingthinks skateboarding can help. Theoutreach worker fromCumberland, B.C., volunteers with a non-profitcalled Get On Board, whichusesboardsportstohelp young people develop confidence and lifeskills.

"Fun is a way of forgetting about some of life's bigger problems," he said. "Once kids start skateboarding they attach themselves to healthier pursuits and it becomes a focus and a passion and that's the way forward for some people."

Only one paved road

A few years ago, Shilling convinced the Vancouver company Landyachtz to donate somelongboards and helmets to kids in Ahousaht, andthe company alsoheld a workshop to teach kids how to build the boards themselves.

The project wasa huge hit butthe community ofAhousahtonly has one paved road and Landyachtz co-owner Mike Perreten realizedthere were few options for kids to ride the boards.

"I was really concerned that the boards are fun right now, but they are going to get sick of it pretty quickly."

From there, the idea to raise money for a skate park was born.Perreten said if all goes well, hewants to seeconstruction start this spring.

Fundraising for $40K

Collin Miller, 20,of Ahousaht, has been riding his skateboard on whatever pavement he can. He said hehopes to work with younger kids in the new park.

"I think anybody has the potential to be a really good skateboarder as long as they enjoy and love what they are doing," he said, adding he thinks findingconfidence onfourwheels can help with other challenges in life.

It will take at least $40,000to build the skateboard park. So far Ahousaht has gathered $10,000 andLandyachtz has promised to donate another $10,000.

Organizers hope otherswill lend a hand throughan online fundraising campaign.

Shilling hopes people will consider it, especially with the recent outpouring of support for Ahousaht after residentsmanaged to save some of thoseonboard a whale watching boat that tragically sank last month.

"I would say this is an opportunity for people to send a love letter to Ahousaht," he said.

"This a very concrete way to say thank you for all the efforts they put forward in terms of that rescue effort and to help Ahousaht move along."