Roller Funk: How long have you been skating?

Kathi: I've been skating for as long as I can remember. My parents had a pair of those old adjustable metal skates (with the metal wheels) that you tightened onto your runners with an Allen key. I remember rolling up and down the street until my legs went numb (those metal wheels didn't absorb much shock!) That must've been around the 4th or 5th grade. Then one day I was invited to a birthday party at a roller rink - soon after I got my first pair of dominions-I was hooked!


 

Roller Funk: What are your two favorite rinks and why?

Kathi :  Well, my regular rink is now Scooter's in Mississauga, ON-but my favorite memories come from what was last called "Wheel World" in Oakville 'cause that's pretty much where I cut my teeth (or should I say wheels?) and the also no longer Great Skate Place aka RollerWorks in Meadowvale. But I must say my most memorable skating experience was at last year's Flint Angel's Ice Breaker, it was my first skate in the US and I was blown away!


 

Roller Funk: Tell me about your Charity Skate Jam.

Kathi: . I've been skating for a long time and it's been a big part of my life. But also I've been very involved in working in non-profits with fundraising and volunteering over the last 10 years or so. One day over the Christmas holidays in '05- I was thinking about what can be done about revitalizing skating-especially in the GTA, I was also thinking about my other passion (the homeless shelter I was working at) and some fundraising ideas and BAM! My two worlds collided and the first annual Charity Roller Jam was born in '06! We've had two Charity Roller Jams so far and the event is growing, raising money and awareness for the Salvation Army Gateway homeless shelter. We hope to continue to grow so that we can help out other charities and we're looking forward to another successful skate in '08!

 

Roller Funk:  What is it like preparing for a skate jam?

 
Kathi:  Preparing for the first roller jam was a lot of work because I'd never done it before, I'd planned other special events but nothing like this. There was a lot of ground work and planning to be done. Finding sponsors and donors is a challenge for a new event. The second year went a bit smoother -I had a great team of volunteers and it was alot easier. Not to mention that we were able take what we learned from the previous experience. I'm really excited about the event for 2008, we're always looking for dedicated and volunteers and supporters! Those interested can check out the website at charityrollerjam.com or email rollerjam@pathcom.com.
 

Roller Funk:  If you could tell the skaters around the world only one thing, what would it be?

Kathi

: "Skate, don't Hate!" I spent most of my adolescence at the rink and even most of my early adulthood- I think that definitely contributed to keeping me out of trouble growing up. It's also great exercise to great music. So, to all those who will say to you..."You still do that??" be proud and say..."Yes!..yes I do! Wanna join me?"