KidSport Penticton– November 24, 2020 – KidSport has launched their ninth annual Give the Gift of Sport fundraising campaign, calling on Canadians to donate online at KidSport.ca/GiftofSport. Over 30 per cent of Canadian youth under the age of 18 cannot afford to play organized sport. With the support of the Government of Canada, corporate partners, and the generosity of donors across the country, KidSport’s annual campaign—running until January 4, 2021—aims to get more kids off the sidelines, into the game, and experience the gift of sport.

Dave Lieskovsky, committee chair of KidSport Penticton, says Penticton has definitely been supportive of minor sports over the years.

“I have been involved in KidSport since it began in 1993, and I have seen a growing awareness of our support for low income families,” he says. “Over the years, community members are seeing how sport has such a positive impact on the development of our kids.  At the same time, they understand that so many families don’t have the resources to support them. And now that COVID-19 has had a further impact, this need for funds has increased even more.”

The current pandemic has put a halt on most sports, and Lieskovsky says that includes KidSport Penticton fundraising efforts.

“Currently some sports are slowly coming back – such as hockey, gymnastics and others,” adds Lieskosvky. “So we need to catch up as they come back.  And we are expecting a much larger demand for funding as we approach a full return – so many families have had financial setbacks in the mean time. Now we need support more than ever.”

“Organized sport provides our children with so many benefits. We know it can help them be healthier, but it can also help them with things like their education and social development,” says Jamie Ferguson, Chair of KidSport Canada. “In essence, sport can provide our children with a head start on life. At KidSport we believe every child deserves that chance. Please give to our Give the Gift of Sport campaign and help make more head starts happen.”

The power of sport is in how it shapes us in those special moments – in the memories cherished today and stories told tomorrow.  It nurtures our growth and strengthens our communities.

“Sport has been the driving factor in shaping who I am, it has taught me all sorts of life skills and gave me the confidence to set goals and dream big when I was a kid,” adds Canadian race walker and Olympian Evan Dunfee.  “KidSport believes that every child should have that same opportunity and help remove the financial barriers to make that happen.”

Since its creation in 1993, KidSport has disbursed over $84M and helped over 930,000 kids from coast to coast to coast receive grants and sport introduction programming.

This year, by giving the gift of sport that you received as a kid, you can help create lasting memories and fill the gap for other kids who want to play. Help bring the power of sport Full Circle and Give the Gift of Sport at KidSport.ca/GiftofSport where personal, corporate or tribute donations can be directed to any of KidSport’s 166 community chapters.

About KidSport:
KidSport is a national not-for-profit organization that helps remove financial barriers that prevent kids from playing sport by providing assistance for registration fees and sport equipment to children aged 18 and under. Through a confidential application process grants are given so they can play a season of sport. Learn more about KidSport and join the holiday conversation on #GiftofSport, Facebook.com/KidSportPenticton/ Instagram.com/kidsportpenticton/ or online at KidSport.ca/GiftofSport.

For more information:

Dave Lieskovsky

Chair, KidSport Penticton

kidsportpenticton@gmail.com

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