The Delta KidSport chapter is there for you.
That’s the message the non-profit organization wants to get out to the community as more amateur sports move forward in their Return to Play phases amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
KidSport supports children by removing financial barriers that can prevent them from playing organized sport. The Delta chapter provides individual grants up to $500 per calendar year. That amount has stayed intact despite COVID-19 cancelling Delta’s annual fundraiser gala back in April. Fortunately, many of the event’s key sponsors continued their support.
Applications can be done online here.
“I want people to apply. The applications have been slow but sports have been slow picking up too,” said Delta KidSport chair Carlene Lewall. "The kids need to register first before they get the money. It then goes directly goes to the organization.”
The pandemic has changed the application process that typically factored in household income from the previous tax year. The organization recognizes how job losses have impacted many local families.
“They just need to write us a note. There is nothing I can follow (in regards to a job loss from a pandemic). You just believe them,” continued Lewall.
She added it’s crucial that organizations are aware how important sports is to kids and urges them to “think outside of the box” when it comes to putting programing together, even if it means minimal competition.
“Some of them are so limited on the number of kids they are taking. It’s sad. Kids need this so badly. Sports leaders are role models for them or maybe there are kids that are having struggles at home. It really is so important to them,” she said. “There is an opportunity to build skills and take advantage of it right now. You can promote it so much that way. Just be a team within yourselves.”
KidSport Week is currently underway across the province. Last year, KidSport BC collectively raised $2.1 million and issued 7,248 grants.
“We are proud of the impact KidSport, has in communties right across our province. At Sport BC, we truly believe in the transformative power of sport, its ability to build stronger communities and healthy citizens. The positive results are possible because of the support of our partners, donors, sponsors, ambassadors, and volunteers. “All of this inspiring support allows KidSport BC to help thousands of children access quality sport experiences every year. During KidSport BC Week, we would like to thank all of the enthusiastic volunteers working hard #SoALLKidsCanPlay!” said KidSport, President and CEO Rob Newman.
