From the Lens to the Court: Supporting Youth in Sandy Bay

May 7, 2026

Dre Erwin

As many of you know, my journey as a photographer has always been about more than just capturing the Northern Lights; it’s about the people and the spirit of the North. On June 8th, I will be returning to Sandy Bay, SK, to resume my role as a Primary Care Nurse....

While I am excited to get back to the clinic, I’ve recently learned about a heartbreaking reality facing the First Nations and Métis youth in the community.

The Reality on the Ground

Right now, the students in Sandy Bay are trying to stay active and learn sports like pickleball, but they are doing so with almost nothing. Because of a lack of equipment, they are currently practicing with balloons and old rackets.

Even more difficult to hear is that many of these kids do not own indoor gym shoes. They are sharing runners—literally waiting for a friend to finish their turn so they can borrow a pair of sneakers just to step onto the gym floor. As a nurse, I know how vital physical activity is for their mental and physical health, and it breaks my heart to see them sidelined by a lack of basic gear.

How You Can Help

Before I head north, I am on a mission to fill my truck with gear. I am looking for donations of:

Gently used indoor sneakers/runners (All youth and adult sizes).

Pickleball equipment (Paddles, balls, and portable nets).

This isn't just for the youth; it's also a way for us healthcare workers at the clinic to stay active and connect with the community we serve.

Get In Touch

If you have equipment or shoes sitting in your closet that you no longer use, please reach out to me directly:

Email me: dreerwinphoto@gmail.com

Message me on Facebook: Dre Erwin Photography

Contact Form: www.dreerwinphoto.com/contact

I am happy to coordinate pick-ups in the Regina area until the first week of June.

Thank you for helping me bring more than just a camera back to the North. Let’s get these kids on the court!

— Dre Erwin, RNAAP

P.S. I have also applied for a $10,000 suicide prevention grant to support these efforts. We are staying hopeful that we can bring even more resources to the community soon!