May 28 will be Canadian Tire JumpStart Day in the city, and the month of June Canadian Tire JumpStart Month following a unanimous decision by Yorkton Council at its regular meeting Monday.
“Canadian Tire JumpStart is delivered through a Canadian-wide network of local chapters, made up of a variety of community leaders committed to helping kids get active,” Irma Van De Bon-Nicol told Council.
Van De Bon-Nicol explained the program is committed to removing the financial barriers for participation in sports and recreation. She also noted recreation and sports contribute to the healthy development of children and youth and increase a child’s chance of success in life through a healthier lifestyle.
A letter to Council proved greater detail.
“Launched in 2005 by the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families, Canadian Tire JumpStart is a charitable program to help kids in financial need participate in organized sports and recreation such as dance, martial arts and swimming, as well as team sports such as basketball, hockey and soccer. Funding is available for qualified applicants to offset registration fees, equipment and transportation costs. It helps tighten the financial gap by providing funding of up to $600 per child in a fiscal year,” it stated.
“6National in scope but local focus, Canadian Tire JumpStart is delivered through a Canadian-wide network of local chapters, made up of a variety of community leaders committed to helping get kids active. In Yorkton, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton and Area, City of Yorkton, and Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton form the local chapter. These community partners are joined by Canadian Tire Associate Dealers and Petroleum Agents, and together the chapters identify children in financial need who would benefit from the program. In 2015 from Yorkton and surrounding area, 385 children were helped through with $54,746 being allocated for sports and recreation through Canadian Tire JumpStart Foundation.”
“We have heard some amazing stories from children who have had the opportunity to participate and the difference it has made in their lives,” said Van De Bon-Nicol.
Locally they will be holding a BBQ at Yorkton Canadian Tire on May 28th at 11:00 a.m. to raise money for the local Yorkton and area Canadian Tire JumpStart Chapter. For the first $1,000 raised the $$$ are double matched and for every $1,000 raised after they are matched. It will be a great day to make a donation.
That day as well there will be activities and games for children including a bouncy house, petting zoo, face painting and games.
