Klippers' Debt Repayment

This morning, July 23rd, the Town of Kindersley and the Kindersley Klippers agreed upon a debt repayment schedule. The amount to be repaid to the Town of Kindersley is $80,595.61. The Klippers have agreed to repay a minimum of $500 after each gate with the total amount repaid within 3 years.

Kindersley Klippers Logo provided by Kindersley Klippers

The Council of the Town of Kindersley, heading into the meeting, wanted to ensure the Klippers are successful moving forward. Because of this Council did not want to hamper the ongoing operations of the Klippers. As a result I made a suggestion that the Klippers have a "bucket" at the gate so fans can throw in a loonie, twonie, or a $bill to reduce the debt. The thinking behind this is that this method won't affect the other fundraisers used to support the team. This tactic was successfully used by the Yorkton Terriers a few years ago when they were struggling financially. The Terriers repaid the City of Yorkton in full using this method.

The Klippers are also concerned about public perception of their current dilemma. The Klippers had understood that the Town owed them monies and wanted those monies deducted from their arrears. This morning we were able to show them that those monies had not been paid as they had thought. This misunderstanding has been cleared up.

Did you know the Klippers have the most inexpensive tickets in the SJHL. If all the fans attending games chip in a loonie or a twonie, the tickets, or season passes, are still a very good deal. Later this week I will be taking an extra $52 to Mark Elliotte, the President of the Klippers, to cover my "loonie debt reduction" donation needed at the door for each game.

As I have said elsewhere, I believe the Klippers are important to the Town but they must be sustainable. The Klippers are trying to turn things around but need the fans support.  If the Klippers' fan base is unwilling to support the team through this modest opportunity to help, which is open to everyone who is a fan, then perhaps the Klippers need to make some hard choices in the spring.

Council is determined that the Klippers pay the monies owed but we are still supporters of the team. I want to encourage you, if you are a fan, or think the team is important to the community, to support the team through this difficult time.

Sometimes we need to help each other through the tough spots.