The Sunshine Coast Canadian Tire Jumpstart Chapter had tremendous success in 2010 reaching families to help financially disadvantaged kids get involved in organized sport and recreation programs. In the end, the local chapter allocated $7,166.32, which meant that a total of 86 Coast children and youth were provided with assistance.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and Sunshine Coast Community Services Society (SCCSS) manages the local chapter and helps 'get kids in the game' by covering registration, equipment or transportation costs.
"We'd like to thank Canadian Tire for their summer fishing derby fundraiser that helped raise $1,200 for the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Foundation for Families. Thanks also to all the people in our community for their generous support," said Michelle Morton, SCRD recreation program co-ordinator in a news release.
As many as one in three Canadian children cannot participate in organized sport or recreation because of financial barriers, according to IPSOS Reid research conducted in 2009. This means that they might be missing out on the important life benefits children can get from participating, such as, a healthier lifestyle, increased self-esteem, greater confidence, improved school performance and development of leadership skills.
"This donation will help even more kids in our community get active in activities such as hockey, skating, and snowshoeing," added Chris Denley, SCCSS program director, Special Services to Children. "The support we receive from the community is critical to our success because we can help more kids. Also, any funds that are raised in our community go to support kids in our community."
Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national charitable program delivered through 310 community Chapters across Canada. Chapters are made up of Canadian Tire Dealers and community partners who identify children who could benefit from the program. Since 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has helped more than 300,000 kids across Canada get involved in organized sport and recreation.
"We are thrilled that our fundraiser will help kids try a sport for the very first time in their lives," said Jeff Endress, owner of the Canadian Tire store in Wilson Creek. "We have been able to make a positive impact in the lives of many children living in our community."
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