A $40,000 donation to KidSport Bow Valley from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation will help local children and youth keep active by removing financial barriers to participating in sports and recreation.<\/p>\n
The cost to participate in sport and recreation is high across Canada and financial considerations are a serious concern for many families in the Bow Valley when registering their kids in sports. Although there is a wide selection of sports to choose from for youth, they\u2019re expensive due to a smaller population base and high travel costs.<\/p>\n
Operating since 2010, KidSport Bow Valley offers families grants to cover registration fees and associated costs for various sport activities. With grants up to $500 per child per year, KidSport ensures that all kids aged 18 and younger can play a season of sport. \u201cSport, physical activity and recreation are essential to a child\u2019s well-being, not just physically, but for their mental and social well-being,\u201d said Simmi Latulippe from KidSport Bow Valley. \u201cThe donation from the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation will help community-based organizations reduce barriers and ensure children, youth and families of all abilities can access opportunities that match their individual need.\u201d<\/p>\n
Parents can apply for funding through KidSport Alberta and use the grants to offset registration fees for organized sport programs. By making sport and recreation activities more accessible and affordable, support from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation means more families in the Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, or western M.D. of Bighorn can enjoy an active lifestyle.<\/p>\n
\u201cKidSport has been doing essential work in the Bow Valley for over a decade. Demand is up year-over-year and the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation is pleased to continue to support their programs. Recreation and a healthy lifestyle are integral for families and essential in creating an engaged and vibrant community \u2013 and the Foundation is pleased to be able reduce financial barriers whenever possible,\u201d said Cathy Geisler, executive director of the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.<\/p>\n
With more families accessing grants, KidSport is working hard to ensure they have the funding in place for the new school year. The not-for-profit expects to see a record number of requests this year and look forward to ensuring as many kids are playing as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cKidSport Bow Valley is a volunteer run organization with limited resources that are often divided between outreach and fundraising. Thanks to the generous and sustaining support of the Foundation, our team can focus on supporting Bow Valley kids and families,\u201d said Latulippe.<\/p>\n
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About the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation Established in 2013, the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation is a private foundation in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Funded by the profits of Banff Caribou Properties Ltd. and Banff Lodging Company, the goal of the Foundation is to reinvest in Banff and the Bow Valley by supporting projects that contribute to a more active, vibrant, and happy community. For 2022, a budget of $1,400,000 was approved for disbursement to community initiatives that meet one of 3 pillars: Active Lifestyles, Education, and Community Building.<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":363,"template":"","meta":[],"categories":[14],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n