If you are looking for a way to give back to your community this year, one option is by giving the “Gift of Sport”, in which all funds will be used to help provide financial assistance to families with children looking to participate in a local sports program through KidSport. The “Gift of Sport” is a provincial campaign that takes place each year and by donating, you provide an opportunity for a child to play in an activity they are interested in.
KidSport is a children’s charity that provides financial aid to youth up to the age of 18, so that all kids are able to play, have fun and learn important lessons through organized sports. Individual grants of up to $750 are available per calendar year for those that apply and are approved.
In 2020, Martensville KidSport received over 45 applications totalling over $15,000; however, due to major fundraisers such as the KidSport playhouse raffle being cancelled due to COVID, not all applications were able to be fully funded this year. “There are many people who are struggling financially this year, so there is more need for assistance now. KidSport is also becoming more well-known in the community, so we have been seeing an increase in applications each year,” Angie Reddekopp, City of Martensville Program Coordinator, stated.
Reddekopp has been involved with KidSport in Martensville since it first began over ten years ago and has seen incredible growth in both the amount of applications that are submitted each year, as well as the support from the community. “It has come leaps and bounds from where we first started. In the early years, we had a handful of applications and needed a couple of thousand dollars; whereas now, we are well over 50 applications each year and have a budget of approximately $25,000 each year to help fund these kids.”
Without the support from the community, Reddekopp noted that the KidSport program would not be as successful as it is. “We have many community connections that have been developed in order to keep this program running in the community, and if we didn’t have those supports, we wouldn’t be able to continue to help those kids in need. It really is a great program, and benefits these kids in so many different ways.”
This weekend, one local business is stepping up to help out. The Martensville A&W location will be holding a special with $2 from every Teen Burger sold going to the Martensville/Warman KidSport program on December 4th, 5th and 6th. “We are so grateful to all of the amazing businesses and organizations that help us raise funds. If there are any other businesses interested in getting on board to help out, we are always looking for more help and every little bit helps,” Reddekopp said.
Applications for KidSport are available at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion and donations to KidSport can also be made at the MAP as well. Cheques can be made payable to KidsportTM or etransfers can be automatically deposited when sent to wmareakidsport@gmail.com. Donations to KidSport can be made online through the Martensville Messenger website at https://martensvillemessenger.ca/kidsport-donation/. Tax receipts are provided for any donation over $25.00 and 100% of donations and fundraising proceeds support children within Martensville.
