NLIS 3
September 21, 2005
(Human Resources, Labour and Employment)
Government partners
with foundation to give kids a �jumpstart�
Joan Burke, Minister of Human
Resources, Labour and Employment, was joined today by Gordon Cressy,
president of the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families, at
Stephenville Middle School to announce a government grant of
$225,000 to the Canadian Tire JumpStart Program.
�Government has made a commitment to the health and well-being of
our children, especially in rural areas where programs and services
are sometimes limited,� said Minister Burke. �Children should not
feel excluded because of circumstances that are beyond their
control, like financial pressures on the family. Today, we are
announcing a creative approach that ensures a greater number of
children in low-income families can participate in activities and
programs, increasing their sense of belonging in their communities.�
Canadian Tire JumpStart is a community-based program from the
Canadian Tire Foundation for Families. National in scope, but local
in focus, the program partners with community leaders and government
to provide children and youth from low-income families the
opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities.
�The Canadian Tire JumpStart Program
rallies together community leaders and government officials to help
provide a solution to an issue that is increasingly becoming one of
national concern - the issue of physical inactivity of children,�
said Gordon Cressy, President, Canadian Tire Foundation for
Families. �We are thrilled to have the support of the Government of
Newfoundland and Labrador as it will enable us to give approximately
1,000 kids in financial need the chance to play.�
Canadian Tire Jumpstart is delivered
through local community chapters along with community partners. The
chapters identify children in need in the community and provide
funds to cover the cost of registration in sports and recreation
activities. Consideration is also given to funding equipment and
transportation costs.
Currently there are nine JumpStart chapters across the island where
Canadian Tire stores are located. While there is not a Canadian Tire
Store in Labrador, a 10th chapter has been established there and is
led by a number of recreation directors.
These chapters ensure children throughout a region have access to
recreational and extra-curricular activities. For example, the
Humber-Barbe Chapter serves the Corner Brook, Bay of Islands and
Humber Valley area as well as communities on the Northern Peninsula.
Residents of these communities can request support from the program
by contacting a Humber Barbe Chapter member.
Core chapter members in Newfoundland and Labrador include
representatives from the Boys and Girls Clubs, YW/YMCAs, Parks and
Recreation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, along with other groups unique
to a community, such as Grand Falls Youth 2000 Centre.
However, other sport and recreation programs can also receive
assistance. Chapter members are encouraged to search outside their
own organization to ensure the program reaches out to as many
children as possible.
�This is a great initiative and we commend government for creating
this partnership�, said Sean McKenna, president of the Newfoundland
and Labrador Parks and Recreation Association. �Since Canadian Tire
JumpStart covers all administration costs, this is a great way to
ensure all government funding will go directly to children and
youth.�
Government�s grant is provided through the Department of Human
Resources, Labour and Employment�s Youth Services Grants and
Subsidies Division. The funding will dramatically increase the
number of children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador who will
benefit from the program. With government support, the foundation
will almost double the number of young people it serves.
�This government holds the well-being of our young population as a
priority�, said Minister Burke. �We decided to support this program
since it reaches children across the province, not just in more
urban sectors. This latest initiative furthers our mandate to
address the overall needs of children and youth living in low income
families. Participating in sports and recreation increases a child�s
chance for success in life.�
For more information on Canadian Tire JumpStart visit:
//www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstart/
Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-4062, 689-2624
Lisa Gibson, Canadian Tire, (416) 544-7655, lgibson@cantire.com
2005 09 21
10:45 a.m. |
