Kidsport Bow Valley managed to help 142 children take part in 12 different sports across the Bow Valley, but were poised to fall well short of their fundraising goal for the 2016 season. The organization had only managed to raise $16,300 to run the $35,000 program. Only being able to help fewer kids was a real possibility.
But along came the miracle in May.
“In a very short period of time we were notified that we were selected as charity of choice for the Cyclo Femme event in Canmore, the Wild Bills fundraiser organized by Masaki Yokota and the Murrieta’s Invitational and Rose and Crown Golf Tournaments,” Tara Gilchrist, Bow Valley Kidsport interim co-chair said. “It was like Christmas in May.”
The group was then selected as the recipient of funding from the 100 Women Who Care – Rockies branch, allowing the program to continue.
“We are now on a solid footing and will be able to continue to provide support throughout 2016 as a result of the generosity of our community and that is a great thing,” said Gilchrist.
For the past five years, Bow Valley Kidsport has managed to help every child in need of support without hesitation. The program provides up to $500 per calendar year per child to help cover costs for children in need. The funds can be spent on registration fees, and are open to children stretching from Lake Louise to Morley.
“Without this program there are children in the Bow Valley who would not be able to enjoy the benefits of sport and those benefits are not just physical. The opportunity to socialize, to learn new skills, to be involved on a team and to engage in the community are important aspects of sport for all who participate. We also see increased self-confidence, sense of belonging and social connectedness in those children and youth who are involved in sport,” said Gilchrist.
While KidSport Bow Valley now has the funds required to support children and youth in 2016, they are still a bit short on board membership as key roles remain unfilled since the departure of several long-standing board members.
“We are always keen to talk to people who would like to share their talents and time with us,” said Gilchrist.
For more information about KidSport Bow Valley and how you can get involved, contact them at: [email protected]. To make an on-line donation go to: http://www.kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/bowvalley/.
