The Kid With The Balloon: Why I’m Filling My Truck for Sandy Bay

Dre Erwin
May 7
3 min read

Updated: May 11

A group of six Indigenous youth stand on a wooden gym floor in Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan. One boy holds a beige balloon and a badminton racket, while others stand nearby—some in sneakers, one in socks, and another barefoot. The image captures the resilience of the community despite a stark lack of basic sports equipment and proper gym shoes. — Spirit over circumstances: Kids in Sandy Bay practicing pickleball with balloons and borrowed rackets. Some wait on the sidelines in socks, waiting for a turn to borrow a friend's sneakers just to play. This is why we’re filling the truck.

As a photographer, I’ve spent years chasing the light across Saskatchewan. From the dancing curtains of the Aurora Borealis to the quiet beauty of the northern pines, I’ve always tried to capture the soul of the North. But as I prepare to return to Sandy Bay on June 8th to resume my role as a Primary Care Nurse, I’ve realized that sometimes the most important things to capture aren't seen through a lens—they are felt in the community.

The Reality Behind the Beauty

Recently, I received an update from Mahaila, a physical education teacher in Sandy Bay, that stopped me in my tracks.

In a community full of resilient, talented First Nations and Métis youth, the kids are currently trying to learn the game of pickleball. But because they lack the most basic equipment, they are practicing with balloons and old rackets.

It’s a makeshift solution that shows their incredible spirit, but it’s a symptom of a much larger problem.

The "Sharing" Heartbreak

The gear isn't the only thing missing. In Sandy Bay, many students don't own a pair of indoor gym shoes. When it’s time for gym class, kids are literally standing on the sidelines, waiting for a friend to finish their turn so they can borrow their sneakers just to step onto the floor.

Think about that for a second. In 2026, we have children who can't play because they don't have shoes that fit.

As a nurse, I see the direct link between physical activity and mental health. This isn’t just about a game; it’s about dignity. It’s about giving a kid the chance to run without waiting in line for a pair of borrowed shoes.

It’s about suicide prevention and providing a healthy outlet for stress—not just for the youth, but for the healthcare staff at the clinic who work tirelessly to support them.

A Mission Beyond the Clinic

I’ve applied for a $10,000 suicide prevention grant to help bring long-term resources to Sandy Bay. It’s a long shot, but I’m staying hopeful. In the meantime, I refuse to head north with an empty truck.

I am looking for the following donations in Regina before June 7th:

Indoor Gym Runners: New or gently used sneakers (all youth and adult sizes).
Pickleball Gear: Paddles, balls, and portable nets (even your "retired" gear is a treasure to us).

A high-end DSLR camera with a large telephoto lens sits on a hard equipment case alongside a Selkirk Vanguard pickleball paddle and a yellow outdoor pickleball. The image symbolizes the intersection of Dre Erwin's professional photography and his community wellness initiatives in Northern Saskatchewan. — Gear for the mission: Combining the tools of a professional photographer with the equipment needed to kickstart the Sandy Bay Pickleball League. Whether it’s a lens or a paddle, it’s all about creating a new perspective for northern youth.

How You Can Join Me

I’m a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces and an RNAAP, but I’m also just a guy who believes in this community. If you have gear sitting in your closet, or if you’re a business that wants to help, please reach out.

I’ll be coordinating pick-ups all over Regina for the next few weeks.

Let’s make sure that when these kids step onto the court in June, they aren't holding balloons—and they aren't waiting for someone else’s shoes.

Contact me directly to arrange a drop-off or pick-up:

Email: dreerwinphoto@gmail.com

Direct Message: Facebook | Instagram

Thank you for being part of the story.

— Dre Erwin, RNAAP

About the Author

I’m Dre—a Primary Care Nurse (RNAAP) with over 20 years in critical and primary care, and a professional landscape photographer. My mission is to bridge the gap between healthcare and the arts. Whether I’m in the PACU or under the Northern Lights, I believe in using every tool available—from a stethoscope to a camera lens—to support mental health and community resilience.

"You are doing amazing, much-needed work... doing exactly what an Art Therapist would do." — Bizmuth, ATR-BC (Board Certified Art Therapist)

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