KidSport Calls on Canadians to Give the Gift of Sport this Holiday Season

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Dec. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KidSporttm has launched their seventh annual Give the Gift of Sport fundraising campaign, calling on Canadians to donate online at KidSport.ca/GiftofSport. Over 30 percent of Canadian youth under the age of 18 cannot afford to play organized sport. With the support of the Government of Canada, corporate partners, and the generosity of donors across the country, KidSport's annual campaign?running until January 7, 2019?aims to get more kids off the sidelines, into the game, and experience the gift of sport.

"Organized sport provides our children with so many benefits. We know it can help them be healthier, but it can also help them with things like their education and social development," says Jamie Ferguson, Chair of KidSport. "In essence, sport can provide our children with a head start on life. At KidSport we believe every child deserves that chance. Please give to our Give the Gift of Sport campaign and help make more head starts happen."

Since its creation in 1993, KidSport has disbursed $75M and helped over 825,000 kids from coast to coast to coast receive grants and sport introduction programming.  "KidSport is the type of program that is committed to filling gaps and strengthening community through an investment in youth who would otherwise not be able to experience the power of play," says 2010 Olympic gold medalist Jon Montgomery.  "This type of contribution to the Canadian landscape has a butterfly effect on our entire country for generations.  That's worth being a part of!"  

Every donation counts and will contribute to making a difference in a child's life. An average donation of $250 can provide one child a full season of sport?the type of gift that will last well beyond the holidays.  Highlighting his commitment to KidSport and the Gift of Sport campaign, Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau will be donating $1,000 per goal throughout the 2018-19 season to KidSport Calgary.  The Flames Foundation will be matching this contribution, showcasing their continued support of KidSport in the Calgary community. "I have learned so many amazing life skills through sport, every child deserves the same opportunity," says Gaudreau.  "Join me in supporting KidSport this holiday season and let's Give the Gift of Sport."

Make your contribution today to Give the Gift of Sport at KidSport.ca/GiftofSport, where personal, corporate or tribute donations can be directed to any of KidSport's 178 community chapters.  Learn more about KidSport and join the holiday conversation on Twitter @KidSport and #GiftofSport, on Facebook.com/KidSportCanada, or online at KidSport.ca/GiftofSport.

About KidSport:
KidSport is a national not-for-profit organization that helps remove financial barriers that prevent kids from playing sport by providing assistance for registration fees and sport equipment to children aged 18 and under. Through a confidential application process grants are given so they can play a season of sport.

For more information:
Bryan Ezako
Manager, KidSport
[email protected]
204.925.5914