By Pauline Derry

Bass Pro Shops of Tampa recently donated over 600 combos, rods and fishing reels to the local nonprofit Take a Kid Fishing, Inc. as part of its annual National Gone Fishing Day of Giving which has took place on June 10.

This year, more than 40,000 refurbished rods and reels were donated to nonprofits across the country. Lightly used fishing gear was brought in by customers in exchange for discounts on new gear.

“We are thrilled to play such an important role in introducing children and their families in our community to the joy of fishing. They choose to put down their phones and video games and spend quality time outdoors to create wonderful family memories, ”said Jarron Ritchie, General Manager of Bass Pro Shops Tampa.

William Dunn, Founder and CEO of Take a Kid Fishing, Inc., and his team are changing the lives of fatherless and foster children by mentoring and taking them on fishing trips where they learn the importance of life skills and, most importantly, are shown that someone cares about them.

“Their donation allows me to bless less fortunate children in the community. Many children live with foster families and cannot afford to buy the equipment to fish. I donate eight to ten canes at a time, so donations like this help keep us going, ”Dunn said. “This is the second year that they have donated to us and it has helped tremendously. “

William and his team are still accepting PayPal donations on their website as well as new corporate sponsors to fund fishing trips to support their cause.

For more information on how to get involved or donate, visit www.takffl.com or contact Dunn at 863-944-5641.