Kidsport is working to make sure no child in the community misses out on organized activities because of money.
“The main mission is to make sure that not one child is left on the sidelines because of any financial barriers,” said Jill Little, director of support programs for the Boys and Girls Club Wolf Creek.
“In Ponoka last year we supported 127 youth and that worked out to the sum of $45,000,” she said.
Little said the program runs year-round. “You can apply for one calendar year at a time, and each family can receive up to $250 per calendar year.”
She said most of the funding comes from fundraising and donations, with some support from the Edmonton Oilers Foundation, which provides additional help for hockey.
“Well, some of it is fundraising … but most of it comes from fundraising donations,” Little said. “We do get a little bit on the Edmonton Oilers funding … if you’re applying for hockey, you would get a little bit more money than the $250 that we allot.”
“At any time absolutely we would accept donations,” she added.
A bottle drive fundraiser is set for Friday, Sept. 5 at the Ponoka Youth Centre parking lot, where a truck and trailer will be set up for drop-offs. Donations can also be made directly at the Ponoka Bottle Depot by requesting they go to Kidsport.
Little can be reached at 403-783-3112 for more information.