Dive News Network

Ontario Dive Center Spreads Holiday Cheer

Divers are well recognized for joining together to benefit their local communities – their tenacity, hard work ethic, and zest for adventure highlights a spirit of fellowship and giving.

And despite these difficult economic times, the community still reaches out and provides outstanding services both above and below the blue. Scuba 2000, a dive center located in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is one of many dive companies that have inspired hope and good will through charitable programs. Last Christmas, the center ran its third annual toy drive in conjunction with the local Salvation Army. Divers came from all around to donate gently-used or new gifts to needy children, and in response, Scuba 2000 gave a sizeable discount of $100 to each contributor’s course expenses. With a wonderful cause in mind, and the center’s monetary incentive, divers responded with enthusiasm and excitement.

Scuba 2000 owner and Master Instructor Alex Peirce couldn’t be more thrilled by last year’s outcome.

"This is a Win, Win, Win project! The Salvation Army gets lots of toys to hand out, and hundreds of children get a Christmas present that they didn't expect,” exclaims Peirce. “And Scuba 2000 gets lots of new divers and every one feels good!"

According to Peirce, new divers individually donated more toys than expected – nearly 250 gifts were opened by wide-eyed, excited children on Christmas. And many repeat customers and guests delivered gifts to take part in the generous project and spread the season of giving. Not solely limiting its charitable prospects to toys, the center also conducted a similar program earlier in the winter for contributors who donated new winter clothing to be distributed to the Salvation Army. The clothing donation also proved highly successful; the center is looking forward to expanding it in coming years.

“It's a great combination. If you have the time and money to enjoy scuba diving, surely you have a bit to help the less fortunate,” Peirce states on Scuba 2000’s website. “I think we've proven that's true at Scuba 2000!

The company extends its thanks to last year’s donators and is hoping 2013’s programs add more holiday joy to deserving children.

Scuba 2000 is a full service dive center, which provides training needs from Open Water to Instructor Development. Their extensive gear sales and service department are more than happy to provide divers with the proper equipment they need to take in a great dive. For more information, and to request services, visit them online at www.scuba2000.com.