By DON McINTOSH
Union sponsors and volunteers were a sizable contingent at the Klineline Kids Fishing event April 15 at Klineline Pond in Vancouver’s Salmon Creek Regional Park.
It was the return of an annual event that went on hiatus during the pandemic. An estimated 1,200 kids take part each year. For $5, they get a fishing rod, bait, an event T-shirt, and 45 minutes to catch two trout in a well-stocked pond. Volunteers in orange safety vests show them how to cast and reel them in, and the fish are cleaned at a volunteer station constructed with union sheet metal. Kids also enter their names in a drawing to win a bike on the spot.
The event is a passion project for Sheet Metal Local 16 rep Dustin Hysmith. His union is a sponsor, and so is Fire Fighters Local 1805, IBEW Local 48, Iron Workers Local 29, Laborers Local 737, Machinists Lodge 63, OPEIU Local 11, Teamsters Local 305, UFCW Local 365, and dozens of local employers.
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Like my Grandpa used to say, “A man (kid) could do worse than fishing” Great stuff teaching kids to fish. Thanks to all those who run this event and all the helpers and vendors.