When you give to Boys & Girls Clubs do you really think about the impact your dollars have on the children, youth and families in our community? We certainly do! Sometimes this impact cannot be ‘seen’ until a child grows up and looks back on it. As alumni Clay Webb says, “I don’t know where I’d be if the Boys and Girls Club hadn’t impacted my life so heavily, but I do know I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”
We asked some of our participants what they gained from their involvement with Boys & Girls Clubs. These pictures tell a simple story about simple things, but together they form a picture of the many ways we help kids ‘be more’ through our programs and services. On behalf of all of these kids, and more, thank you for your support.
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| The low physical activity levels and sedentary behaviour patterns of Canadian children and youth in the after-school period are startling. Kids are getting only 14 minutes of physical activity during this 3 hour period. Children in lower income families are at even higher risk because they are usually less able to participate in organized sport after school.
We know that a healthy body is a vital ingredient to healthy child development. When kids come to our after school programs they are not only active, but also encouraged to take ownership of their own health. That‘s why children as young as Emilie are proud of their commitment to exercise. With your help, our kids are developing healthy habits that will last the rest of their lives.
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Every child has a unique set of strengths and challenges. Our programs adopt a ‘strengths based approach’, which means we recognise and develop those strengths in each individual.
Alex has attended one of our after-school programs for 3 years and has really thrived in that welcoming and supportive group environment. Our staff noticed that he is a natural leader among his peers and are working with him to develop that talent. He leads some activities for the younger children, and helps with snack time and keeping the club tidy. In a few years Alex will be old enough to join our Youth Leadership program, and from there, who knows where this positive trajectory will take him?
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Grayson is just starting his journey with Boys & Girls Clubs. Over the next few years he will gain much more than friendship through our programs. He’ll take part in fun activities and games, cooking, arts and crafts, sports and trips out. He’ll learn how it feels to be healthy, active and connected to his community. Most of all, he will gain confidence in himself.
At this age, children are like sponges. They learn something from every person they meet and everything they do. Help us make sure they learn how much they are valued and how much they can contribute to this world.
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Lucy attends ‘Girls Group’ at Boys & Girls Clubs. One evening a week she meets girls her age to do things like arts and crafts, baking, games and out-trips. Lucy likes the fact that she is included in planning all the fun activities they will do each week.
Boys & Girls Clubs provide safe, supportive places where every child is listened to, respected and valued in an environment of inclusion and acceptance. Our staff and volunteers model honesty, fair play, cooperation and respect for self and others, which not only creates a positive environment for kids now, but will also shape how they interact with others in the future.
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Bryn attends our after-school program at Harbourside Club. While he is playing and having fun, Bryn is also learning how to build positive relationships with other people, like the staff, volunteers, his peers and his family. The Club hosts family events like dinners or bake sales and Bryn's family will attend to spend time with Bryn and his friends at the Club.
Our Clubs help create a network of support for children and families - community connections that ground children and give them a sense of belonging that can help to counteract challenges in their lives.
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Halayna has been involved in our literacy and numeracy programs “Word Play” and “Numbers at Night” which use a variety of games and activities that focus on fun but have an underlying intention of building literacy skills and aiding in their classroom growth. The programs are led by caring and dedicated staff who know how important positive relationships are in engaging children in activities that build skills and self-confidence that will serve them throughout their lives. |
You can help our kids BE MORE by donating here.