INSYNCH Showing compassion
TEAMS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES by KYLEIGH GAFF
Being a member of a synchro-
nized skating team is about more than just being able to execute intricate elements in unison. It’s about being part of a team, with a purpose on and off the ice. For most of the 600-plus synchronized skating teams across the country, volunteerism and community ser- vice are important components of team unity and growth. Tere’s no better lesson learned than the giving of one’s time and resources to those less fortunate. Featured here are just some of the teams whose efforts are making a difference in their respec- tive communities.
kids across the globe. Te girls spend an afternoon at one of Feed My Starving Children’s packaging warehouses. Each skater is respon- sible for one part of the packing process. Some skaters pour rice or veggies in a bag, while others weigh and seal the bags to make sure they are ready to be shipped. Tis year, the girls packaged enough meals to feed 105 children in Haiti for an entire year.
Synchro Stars, Nashua, New Hampshire
Synchro Stars teams collected ONYX Synchro
ONYX, Rochester, Michigan In conjunction with their de-
but exhibition in November, the new ONYX synchronized skating teams collected clothing and per- sonal care items for Grace Centers of Hope, a recovery and rehabili- tation campus for homeless men, women and children. Pictured are skaters from the novice, juvenile, Synchro Skills 1 and Synchro Skills 2 teams. Members of open adult, open masters and Rock Stars Intro teams contributed to the collection as well.
Dazzlers Silver, Downers Grove, Illinois
Each year members of the
Dazzlers silver open juvenile team from Downers Grove Ice Arena and DuPage Figure Skating Club volun- teer at Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit organization that strives to provide meals to malnourished
50 FEBRUARY 2017
food donations in November for the Nashua Soup Kitchen. All teams were involved, including pre-juve- nile and intermediate. Te teams also collected gift cards in Decem- ber for families in need. Te Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter is dedicat- ed to providing shelter and food to those in need. Te overall objective of the agency is to advocate, create and operate programs and services that promote dignity and self-suf- ficiency for those who are served. Te food pantry provides food to approximately 300 individuals per week. Te Nashua Soup Kitchen also provides many other services, such as an emergency shelter to the homeless, employment and educa- tion programs, household items to those transitioning to permanent housing and hot meals seven days a week. Synchro Stars collected more than 300 pounds of food and supplies to be delivered in time for Tanksgiving. In December Syn- chro Stars collected 24 gift cards to
Synchro Stars Dazzlers Silver
Skyliners
various stores for the Front Door Agency. Te Front Door Agency has provided support and services for more than 30 years to families in the Nashua area transitioning from crisis to self-sufficiency.
Skyliners, Chelsea Piers, New York
Each holiday season, the Skyliners collect new pajamas for an organi-
zation called the Pajama Program. Tis organization provides new pa- jamas and books to children living in shelters or foster care — with the goal that every child deserves a good night. Te skaters were challenged to beat their collection record from last season, and they did it! Te Sky- liners donated 217 pairs of new pa- jamas to the Pajama Program.
Philadelphia Symmetry, Philadelphia
For Philadelphia Symmetry,
making time to engage with each other and the community, near and far, is a priority. Tis tradition of community outreach began a few years ago with a pink ribbon initiative to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. October has since grown into the team’s month of organized giving. Each week skat- ers and their families are asked to suggest service ideas near and dear to their hearts. Tese ideas are then
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