“We’re stuck between a rock and a hard place,” said McCaughan. “
We’re finally reaching the kids who could use it the most, but now we
don’t have the money.”
McCaughan said that they’ve been successful at growing the program,
especially in the inner city areas, due to an awareness program, Sport
Expo, and their involvement with the Boys and Girls club, but now they
face a new challenge – turning kids away. For many KidSport families,
the support has meant more than just sport.
“I was newly on my own and would’ve had to tell my two boys - no
sports - if it hadn’t been for KidSport,” said a mother who preferred
to remain anonymous. “But because of KidSport they could play. It gave
them confidence and changed everything they did. In fact they were so
appreciative that they donated half their birthday money, about $110,
to KidSport.”
KidSport Regional chapters throughout Manitoba are getting requests
for assistance from more kids and families than ever before. KidSport
Eastman and Central Regions both had to pro-rate their assistance
grants with the hope that the reduced amounts would still allow the
child to play.
“In the past 3 years the requests for assistance with sport
registration fees has doubled!” said Jeff Palamar, Provincial KidSport
Chair. “More kids want to play, more families are aware that KidSport
can help, but we now need the support of Manitobans and Manitoba
companies to ensure these kids get a chance to enjoy all of the
benefits that sport can bring into their lives. As little as $100 can
put one more child into a season of sport, but every donation makes a
difference.”
Donations to KidSport Manitoba can be made online by clicking here.
Every dollar raised by KidSport goes directly to assisting Manitoba
children as the administrative costs of the program are borne by Sport
Manitoba and its corporate partner Great-West Life.
Since 1993, KidSport Manitoba has raised over $1,900,000 and tons of
equipment, providing over 14,000 Manitoba kids with the opportunity to
participate in sport.
http://www.sportmanitoba.ca/programs/kidsport.php
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For further information please contact:
Kim Browning
Director of Marketing, Sport Manitoba
925-5606
browning@sport.mb.ca
MEDIA RELEASES
December 10th , 2008
Pembina Fine Wines Supports KidSport
When Pembina Fine Wines manager Tom Bima was asked to recommend a
charity the store could support; suggesting KidSport was an easy
decision.
KidSport is a Children’s charity that provides support to remove
financial barriers that prevent kids from playing organized sport. Tom
says many of his colleagues have been actively involved in sport over
the years. “Management and the store owners are all former athletes or
coaches. I was an athlete at the University of Manitoba. Sport is an
important part of our lives”.
Tom feels that supporting KidSport is a good way to give back to the
Pembina Fine Wines community. Loyal customers have helped build a
successful business and the wine store wants to say thanks. Tom hopes
that his customers will take this opportunity to stock up for the
holidays while supporting a great cause.
Pembina Fine Wines is moving from their current Pembina location to
a bigger store at Kenaston and McGillivray. To celebrate, the wine
store will be donating $1 per bottle or $25 per case of selected wines
to one of 3 charities; the Winnipeg Humane Society, Victoria General
Hospital Foundation or KidSport.
Donations to KidSport can also be made online by clicking here.
Every dollar raised by KidSport goes directly to assisting Manitoba
children as the administrative costs of the program are borne by Sport
Manitoba and its corporate partner Great-West Life.
For more information on Pembina Fine Wines check out their website at www.ticoswines.ca
For more information on KidSport click here or call 1-866-774-2220.