The Nelson chapter of KidSport has been around since 2007. In that time $110,000 sport registration fees have been paid on behalf of approximately 500 local children, with another $2,000 in equipment costs disbursed.
Adopting the KidSport Canada Mission was easy for the Nelson chapter given that we all believe that no kid should be left on the sidelines and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports.
The not-for-profit organization provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids aged six to 18 years.
Through a confidential application process the grants provide the registration fees for a season of entry level sport (excluding camps or travel) and are to be applied for ahead of the season. Locally the annual grant amount is $275 and can be divided between one or two sports or seasons per year. Payment is made directly to the sport organization.
KidSport believes in the values and benefits of kids playing organized sports and know that sport will provide them with the opportunity to become physically active, improve their self-esteem and self-confidence, learn life-long skills, improve their academic performance, make new friends, and share and celebrate their culture.
The local chapter is always looking for ways to promote the service and to encourage local sponsors and donors to participate.
The national program is RCAAA registered and can therefore issue charity tax receipts and direct the funds back to Nelson. To date the Nelson Kids helping Kids promotion has been a leading idea that has spread across the provincial KidSport community.
Thanks to local Joey Timmermans that idea started a few years back when he donated his ninth birthday money to KidSport (and still does as a young man). Many local children have since and continue to follow in his footsteps. Nice.
If you know of someone who could benefit from this fund the local committee (Bill McDonnell, Laurie Timmermans, Jennifer Lehmann, Graham Jamin, Jeremy McComb, Gary McQuaid, Charlotte Chanasyk-Heddon, Kim Palfenier) encourages you to pass on this information.
Application forms can be found at nelsonsports.ca/kidsport-nelson or contact Kim Palfenier at the Sports Council office for more details at 250-352-3989.