As affordability remains a key barrier to entry for aspiring youth hockey players, a pair of Penticton businesses have teamed up to take some of that financial load off local families.

A light has shone on generosity at McLaren Arena since October 2024, with community members donating gently used hockey equipment inside a bin at the front of the rink.

The bin was built by Scott Mayhew Contracting and installed by Graphically Hip.

Sarah Tucker, owner of the latter local business, said the project has been a huge hit. Another bin was installed at Summerland Arena earlier in May, as a result.

"The one at McLaren is packed full all the time now," Tucker said. "I spoke to the city in January (about it) and they said it was a wild success. Everyone's loved it."

Aside from registration fees, the cost of hockey equipment alone makes it more expensive to play than a handful of other sports.

"The idea is that when people no longer need their hockey equipment, they drop it in the bin for others to come and take and use as needed," Tucker explained. "The goal of this was to help lower-income families make hockey more affordable."

Tucker, a local hockey mom, noted she's aware of the high costs associated with playing the sport and said she wants the new project to remain a community staple.

"We just really hope it helps a lot of families," said Tucker, whose company also donated the wrapping for the wooden bins. "It's 100 per cent a donation from us and Scott Mayhew, so there's no cost to the city, rink or anything."

The bins can be accessed anytime when the facilities are open.

McLaren Arena is located at 1350 King St. in Penticton. Summerland Arena, meanwhile can be found at 8820 Jubilee Rd.