NIMSEF seeks to help more kids enjoy Schweitzer

Popular ski and snowboard program seeking donations for upcoming season

SANDPOINT — Last year, more than 70 local youth who otherwise wouldn’t have got the opportunity to enjoy the slopes of Schweitzer as part of the North Idaho Mountain Sports Education Fund, a program designed to provide all the children of this community an opportunity to participate in skiing/snowboarding.

NIMSEF president Jeff Rouleau is hoping to exceed that number this year, but to do so he needs help from the community. Skiing and snowboarding are expensive activities, and NIMSEF relies on donations to ensure that kids who can’t afford the activity still the get he chance to enjoy mountain.

The program continues to grow every year, in large part from the work of a volunteer board and community donations.

“I have heard many times from parents how this program has become the most important thing in their child’s life,” said Rouleau. “I have witnessed children change from being subdued with down-turned eyes and no smile to being happy, smiling and looking me in the eye with an enthusiastic greeting and telling me what a great day they are having on the mountain.”

NIMSEF not only provides the child with a lifelong activity, but it gives the child a sense of belonging, accomplishment, and pride. The NIMSEF program not only teaches skiing/snowboarding, but engages the children, allowing them to work for a portion of their tuition and participate in fundraising, believing this will help the children value their gift, build their work ethic and learn to give back to others.

Schweitzer has graciously agreed to work with NIMSEF and set up a program — at greatly reduced tuition — that will enroll our scholarship students in an 8-week, all-day lessons program. All children ages 7-17 year-old who qualify based on economic need and live in Bonner and Boundary counties can receive a season pass, bus pass, and equipment rental and the lesson program via Schweitzer and NIMSEF.

The program created by Schweitzer puts the children in groups of similar age and ability, and the group stays with the same coach for the entire program (all coaches are certified instructors). This all-day program takes place on either Saturday or Sunday, but the pass and equipment rental are valid all season.

Any donations you wish to give to this worthy cause are greatly appreciated and will help North Idaho children realize the dream of being a part of something special.

Tax deductible donations can be sent to: Nimsef, PO Box 170, Ponderay ID. 83852

“Thank you to all who have helped in the past your donations have done great things,” said Rouleau. “Please consider helping again this year.”

NIMSEF is now taking applications for this upcoming season. They can be obtained from the website at www.nimsef.com.

For more information, email [email protected], or visit www.nimsef.com.