One in three Canadian kids are left on the side of the rink because families cannot afford to enrol their children in organized sport or recreation activities because of financial barriers.
Six years ago, Marlee Stein wanted to learn to skate but she didn’t think it would be possible coming from a family of four kids and facing the struggles of a parent battling illness.
Through a family support service in her community, Marlee and her family were introduced to Canadian Tire Jumpstart. The program supported Marlee’s skating lessons and skate Canada membership through financial assistance.
A year after lacing up her skates, Stein decided to turn her desire to skate into a goal, to one-day join the Canadian Olympic Figure Skating team.
Through Jumpstart, she is able to continue her skating lessons and is working to achieve this dream.
“Jumpstart helped me get the lessons I needed to enter some very challenging provincial and national figure skating competitions in Canada,” said Stein. “With all the lessons I have taken, I hope it opens up opportunities to eventually become a part of the Canadian Olympic team.”
Kids who are able to participate in organized sport and recreation, outside school hours, gain many short and long term benefits including increased self esteem, greater self confidence, leadership skills, and better grades.
“The benefits of kids participating in Sports affects their entire lives,” said Johnny Misley, president, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “Jumpstart is dedicated to removing barriers so financially disadvantaged children can simply participate, and ultimately pursue their dreams.”
By covering the cost of registration, equipment and/or transportation, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has helped 570,000 (and counting) children like Stein participate in the sport of their choice.
To help kids from our community, visit Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Atmosphere, Mark’s and Canadian Tire Gas+ stores as well as Pita Pit locations throughout the month of May to donate $2 in exchange for a red ball, with 100 per cent of all donations going to help kids play.
The May campaign will be celebrated on Jumpstart Day on May 25, with fun activities taking place at participating Canadian Tire Retail stores across the country, including charity barbecues or GoClean waterless car washes.
Visit jumpstart.canadiantire.ca to learn more.
