KidSport Bonnyville is putting more local kids into sports, seeing their numbers nearly triple in 2015.
Last year, the local group helped ensure 134 kids got the chance to take part in extra-curricular activities, with the funding amounting to $36,518.
“I'm sure there's a few contributing factors like the economy in our area, but also since we got our committee kick-started again in the winter of 2011 we've really put a focus on raising awareness I think our awareness initiatives are starting to come through and we're really reaching a lot of people that can use the program,” said Brad Ollen, chair of KidSport Bonnyville.
In 2012, the committee funded 69 kids, dropping to 63 kids in 2013 and in 2014 they funded just 47 kids.
“For us to increase to 134 in 2015 was just almost out of this world.”
After being reborn in 2011, the KidSport in Bonnyville has been working to support as many local kids as they can. To receive funding from KidSport, the parent or guardian fills out an application and includes either statements of income, or get an endorser – a local professional that can verify they're a good candidate. Once the committee contacts the endorser, if approved, the money will be transferred directly to the organization the child is registering in.
Just last January, the committee decided to up the amount of funding per kid from $300 to $500 each year. However, not every kid uses the full amount; in 2015, the average kid used $273 for the year. By having the additional funding available, it allows KidSport to make sure each child gets into the sport they want and possibly, even more then one in the year.
“It's dependent on what their registration fees are. We'll support up to $500 per kid per year, so if they're registering for swimming lessons for $100 that kid will still have $400 to use for the rest of the year,” explained Ollen. “Some use it; some will participate in indoor soccer and some will participate in outdoor soccer too and they'll be covered for both.”
Not surprisingly, hockey was the primary sport covered by KidSport in 2015, with 70 of the 134 registering for hockey.
However, with an increase in young athletes needing assistance, it also puts a strain on their resources. Money to provide the KidSport funding comes primarily from fundraising efforts within the local community, along with applying for grants and receiving a portion of the provincial donations. Thanks to groups such as the Bonnyville Oilmen's Society and Oil Ladies, Panache Realty, Mr. Mikes, Player's Lounge and Thinkwerx, KidSport was able to raise enough money in 2015 to divvy out.
For 2016, Ollen expects they'll probably see the similar numbers, meaning the committee has a lot of work ahead of them.
“It's great to see that, for our program, we can help that many families put their kid in sports. At the same time, from a committee point of view, it's a little bit scary because $36,000 is a lot to give out in one year from a small committee in Bonnyville.”
Ollen added, “It's kind of a catch-22, in that with the (financial) climate like it is now we're seeing increased registration, but at the same time companies don't have the extra dollars to dole out to non-profits like ourselves. We just have to work harder to get the word out there.”
In addition to welcoming any fundraising ideas, KidSport Bonnyville is also looking for a couple more individuals to volunteer with them, attending monthly meetings and assisting with events. The group usually holds about four to six fundraisers each year, which they plan on continuing this year.
Any money raised goes towards helping Bonnyville kids start on their path to becoming great athletes.
“It gives kids from families that don't necessarily have the means to put their kids into sports, the opportunity to participate in team activities and team sports and that's very important for building self-confidence, and a lifetime of health living and activites.”
For more information on KidSport Bonnyville, or to get involved, email [email protected].
