At a time of heightened seasonal spending and inflation driving up the cost of necessities, and in the wake of the global ‘GivingTuesday’ initiative, KidSport Moose Jaw is joining the organization’s provincial and federal counterparts to support the 12th annual ‘Give the Gift of Sport’ campaign.
The goal of the KidSport campaign is to remove the financial barriers that keep youths across the country between the ages of five and 18 from joining organized sports. For this year’s financial target, KidSport has announced the goal of raising $1 million before the conclusion of the campaign on Jan. 8, 2024.
The service provided by KidSport directly benefits children and youths and helps them access the benefits attained through participation in organized sports.
“It directly benefits the kids, and that’s what it’s all about,” said John Eberl, the chairperson for KidSport Moose Jaw.
“We see it as a benefit to a child’s social, mental, and physical well-being. It’s about belonging to a group, playing with your friends, grandma and grandpa coming to watch when you’re playing another team or practicing…,” he said.
Indirectly, assistance offered by KidSport also benefits families and the sports teams themselves.
“If there are financial barriers, sometimes some kids don’t get to play sports. It can affect the overall makeup of some of the teams, in terms of not having enough participants and so on. It’s really far-reaching. Any dollar that is raised… goes a long way in the community in terms of family support and mental health support…,” Eberl said.
“We see nothing but positives coming out of participation in organized sport. We hope that locally, provincially, and nationally our support will help remove those financial barriers,” he added.
Eberl also noted that many coaches end up becoming a positive figure in a child’s life. These coaches demonstrate the hard work and dedication it takes to organize a team despite their busy lifestyle, and their mentorship helps young people develop into a better version of themselves.
As the cost of food and other necessities continue to climb, expenses like sporting fees are likely to take a hit, meaning fewer children are given the opportunity to participate in sports.
“Because of inflation we’ve noticed an increase not only in total numbers asking for support, but also the amount of support being requested,” said Eberl.
Eberl said that in 2022 alone, more than 270 individual applicants were supported by KidSport Moose Jaw at an average of around $260 per child. “That translates into between $60,000 - 70,000 being given to the sporting organizations in Moose Jaw on behalf of the kids that applied and required support.”
KidSport assists young athletes by helping to pay the fees to enter sporting programs. Because of the organization’s extremely low overhead through donated services, every dime – aside from the cost of stamps and envelopes – is distributed back to the community.
“If we have an application, we try to find ways to help that child out,” Eberl said. “The donations are important to us – very important.”
Donations can be made to KidSport at any time throughout the year, and the current campaign is simply a way to help remind people of the value provided by the organization’s charitable outreach.
To mail a check to KidSport Moose Jaw, the address is P.O. Box 1811, Moose Jaw, SK., S6H 7K8. If you’re mailing a cheque or other correspondence, be sure to put “KidSport Moose Jaw” on the envelope.
To donate online, visit KidSportCanada.ca. On the drop-down menu found by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button, you can select the specific region you want to support.
All donors will receive a registered charitable receipt after making their donation.
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