Donations needed to help KidSport Burnaby continue providing grants

 

The number of grant applications KidSport Burnaby is receiving has nearly doubled over the past two years and the chapter is struggling to keep up with the significant increase in demand.

 

The local KidSport chapter, which is completely volunteer-run, has had another record year for granting, surpassing their 2023 grant distribution total prior to the end of the year. This is following a significant year over year increase from 2022 to 2023 when the chapter funded 44% more applications and increased their funding distribution from $38,128 to nearly $66,000. As of this month, the chapter has already funded a season of sport for 310 kids totaling nearly $98,000 in grants.

 

“We are proud that the KidSport Burnaby chapter been able to support more kids than ever before to participate in a season of sport, but the increased demand is putting a significant strain on their funding resources,” says Angela Crowther, Director of the KidSport program in BC. “Donations are urgently needed for the chapter to continue their granting program. Without donor support, they may need to restrict grant distributions or look at pausing their program as fundraising efforts just haven’t been able to keep up with the growing demand in that community.”

 

The challenges the Burnaby chapter is facing are not unique to their community, as a number of other chapters across the province are experiencing similar increases in grant volumes—especially throughout the Lower Mainland. The increased cost of living and rising interest rates is putting more pressure on families than ever before, and more of them are turning to funding programs like KidSport for support.

 

Despite the challenges, the investment to get kids involved in organized sport is a worthwhile one as the benefits are well documented and extend far beyond just their physical health. Participation in sport at any level has been shown to improve brain development and functioning for enhanced learning, improve mental health and wellbeing, and helps develop social connections that lead to more diverse and inclusive communities.

 

KidSport Burnaby currently provides $400 per child per calendar year to help cover the cost of sport registration fees for families in financial need. Since 2010, the chapter has funded a season of sport for more than 2,630 kids distributing over $535,000 to cover sport registration fees.

 

“Sport is so much more than just the wins and losses of the game,” says Crowther. “Your donation to KidSport helps provide important opportunities for kids to build friendships, gain confidence, and create positive community connections that help fuel their potential. You can have a significant impact on a child’s life for a relatively small investment.”

Donations made to KidSport Burnaby stay in the community to help local kids. Most donations are eligible to receive a tax deductible and can be made online at kidsportbc.org/donate.

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About KidSport BC
The KidSport program aims to remove financial barriers to sport participation by providing grants to help cover the costs of registration fees. The program is intended to help increase participation numbers for Sport BC members and their local clubs by providing grants to help cover the costs of sport registration fees so more children and youth can experience the joy of a season of sport. KidSport is a Registered Canadian Amateur Athletic Association (“RCAAA”) with charitable status and can issue tax receipts to donors. Learn more at kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia or follow us @KidSportBC.

About Sport BC
Sport BC believes in the power of sport and is committed to building stronger communities through positive sport experiences. Our goal is to enhance and support sport participation in British Columbia ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Sport BC supports our 75 member organizations through our signature programs KidSport BC, BC Amateur Sport Fund, and BC Women and Sport, and through our services Sport BC Insurance, and Payroll and Group Benefits. Learn more at sportbc.com or follow us @SportBC.