A tribute to Josh “No Rules” Evin

Justin Evin founded a non-profit society less than one year after his brother, Josh Evin, died in a motorcycle accident.

(L to R) Ty Smith, Justin Evin and Trevor Frame are encouraging the youth of Castlegar to skateboard and stay out of trouble. — Breanne Massey photo

Balancing on a skateboard isn’t typically an approach people can transfer into other aspects of their lives, but a Castlegar-based organization takes a different stance.

Josh Evin was a Canadian professional skateboarder sponsored by Premium Skateboards who was reported missing after a motorcycle accident threw both him and a passenger into the Kootenay River on June 13, 2010. Josh’s passenger survived with substantial injuries, but Josh's body was recovered by divers after the water in the hydro canal was drained.

Josh’s death was a devastating loss to his family, his friends and the skateboarding community. Josh owned a skateboarding shop in the community of Castlegar in southeastern B.C., but he had always dreamed about making skateboarding equipment more accessible to youth.

“People wanted to do something at the time of (my brother's) passing and we wanted to do something positive with the money that was being donated,” said Justin. “People were donating flowers and we just found it unnecessary, so we found an alternate way to give back (to the community) through the donations we were getting.”

Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids (Skate Shoes for Kids) encourages youth to maximize their strengths while pursuing a sport that they love.

“But in the last year or so," said Justin, "we have really put the pedal to the metal. We got a team together and we have already been giving out shoes.”

The organization has received generous support from within the local business community, but creating a partnership with Freedom Quest Regional Youth Services based in Castlegar made locals ecstatic.

“It’s for disadvantaged youth,” said Ty Smith, a Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids volunteer. “There is a high level of confidentiality because we are going through our partnership agreement with Freedom Quest and they have been really nurturing.”

Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids has been sponsored by Emerica Shoes, but they also need donations to continue with their goal of reaching youth who want to pursue skateboarding. To make a contribution, please visit the following Castlegar retailers: HTR Designs, JJ’s Fashions, Bell Mobility, Freedom Quest or the Lion's Head Smoke and Brew Pub.

Click the links for more information about Josh Evin or Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids.

Timeline of the Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids Society:

• June 2010, fundraiser held at the Element Club Bar & Grill
• December 2010, Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids Society formed
• June 2011, Bro Hym fundraiser at the Element nightclub
• June 2011, Trons Head Bang mini-ramp fundraiser and skate jam
• August 2011, ribbon-cutting ceremony and skate session at Black Russian Skate Apparel
• November 2011, HTR Designs donates minivan to Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids
• December 2011, Emerica Shoes partners with Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids
• January 2012, Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids supports Kootenay Skateboard Series
• February 2012, Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids supports Kinnaird Youth Indoor Skatepark in Castlegar