HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-02-07, Page 7She stands before her bedroommirror, a dainty child, who practisespliés, and dreams only of growing up
to be a ballerina.
Unfortunately, it’s a dream that
will probably never be realized.
Many families live in poverty and
with money going to day-to-day
expenses, finding any to fund
activities is impossible.
It’s an anguish for parents who
want to provide opportunities for
their children, and a waste for the
children who deserve every
opportunity they can to discover
their full potential. Physical and
cultural activities enrich the lives of
children and are important to their
social and emotional development.
Thanks to the Kids Booster Club
and JumpStart Lake Huron, finances
need no longer be the stumbling
block to making a difference in a
child’s life.
Joan Van den Broeck of Huron-
Perth Children’s Aid Society said the
idea for the Kids Booster Club was
formed 10 years ago. “A man who
worked at Bluewater (youth
dentention centre) came to see me
and said that a lot of the kids there
wouldn’t be if they’d had the
opportunities to be involved in other
activities. He felt recreation was the
key to keep kids out of trouble and
said he would help to raise money to
see that every child had the
advantage.”
From this discussion a framework
was built. “We knew the money
would have to come from donations.
At the time the government didn’t
see a need really. Recreation and
fitness was not on top of many minds
at all.”
They started slowly, she said,
developing a plan and asking for
sponsors. “If they donated $500 a
year, they became a member and
would have a say on how this
operated.”
Finding this sponsorship is a big
issue. “We always need money. We
fundraise all the time. But while the
donations of any amount are very
welcome, we also count on those
$500 sponsorships. It’s nice to know
you have that sustainable amount.”
The sponsors work with Van den
Broeck to fundraise as well, then she
reports back on how the monies are
distributed.
Last year, the Kids Booster Club
became part of the Canadian Tire
JumpStart South Lake Huron
chapter. “This is providing us with
access to more money,” said Van den
Broeck.
JumpStart is a community-based
charitable program that offers
financial assistance to children for
participation in activities as well.
Launched in 2005 there are 240
chapters across the country.
The average number of children in
Huron who benefitted yearly is 100
said Van den Broeck. “Though there
has been some grant money
sometimes, we always spend what
we have. Whatever we get goes out
the door.”
From Jan. 1 to Oct. 17, 2007 the
Kids Booster Club benefitted 65
children to the tune of $12,835.44.
Participants were from every part of
the county and involvement was in
athletic endevours, guiding and the
arts.
“We do a lot of winter sports. Theparent has to be a partner. Forexample if their child wants to playhockey they have to be able to takethem to games and be able to affordall the other extras that don’t show
up in the registration fee.”
It’s something that’s not usually a
problem, however. “Parents will go
to great lengths to make sure their
child gets what they need.”
The door is open for any family,
said Van den Broeck. “All a parent
has to do is call me. We discuss their
situation; people are pretty up front
about their resources; and it’s easy to
evaluate where the money should
go.”
Before calling, Van den Broeck
said it’s important that the parent
find out the total cost of the program
and where the cheque goes. “Then I
take care of the rest.”
Van den Broeck admits that the
biggest obstacle for a parent to
overcome in approaching her is
pride. “Anyone who thinks their
child could benefit will hopefully
feel comfortable enough to call me. I
know it’s hard to ask for help, but for
the kids’ sake sometimes that’s whatyou have to do.”Confidentiality is important saidVan den Broeck and every attempt ismade to ensure it. “The only personwho should know where that cheque
comes from is the organization’s
treasurer and myself.”
She admits that in a small
community that third party
knowledge may be a deterrent. “But
in all fairness, we obviously can’t
send the cheque to the parent.
However, if there’s a situation when
it becomes a problem I ask the
parent to let me know.”
Acknowledging that there are
probably other families who don’t
take advantage of the club because
they are fearful of how they will be
perceived if others find out is
unfortunate. “Sometimes you can’t
do it yourself. To suggest that there’s
something wrong with someone who
needs us is a miserable attitude. We
are all only one paycheque away
from a bad situation.”
“The only thing that matters is that
we put the best interest of the child
ahead of all else.”
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2008. PAGE 7.
Thanks to a helping hand
Recreational and social activities are not always available
to children if their family’s financial situation is already
burdened with the cost of life’s necessities. The Kids
Booster Club is there to provide opportunities, like soccer,
Scouts and Guides, or music lessons, with financial
support. (MS photo)
Kids Booster Club there when money isn’t
The Brussels Ministerial
Association is sponsoring a concert
by Bryan Moyer Suderman on Feb.
29 at 7 p.m. at Brussels Mennonite
Fellowship.
Suderman, a Canadian composer
and performer, will be performing
many of his own compositions,
particularly from his latest CD My
Money Talks.
This CD was commissioned by the
Mennonite Foundation of Canada
who realized that, for many people
talking, let alone singing about
money in the context of worship
does not fit. Yet Jesus’ parables and
much of the Bible are filled with
stories about the challenges and
threats that material things can pose
in our relationship with God. These
issues and questions are
dramatically under-represented in
the life of the church and in the
songs that we sing in worship.
Suderman will present a collection
of songs in a variety of musical
styles. There will be refreshments
served and a freewill offering will be
taken.
Brussels Ministerial
hosts special concert
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