Canadian Tire helps kids get a JumpStart on life
W ith concerns about childhood obesity on the rise, the importance of kids taking part in healthy activities has never been greater.
Unfortunately, some families can’t afford to enrol their kids in sports and recreation programs. Studies show one in three Canadian families can’t foot the bill.
That’s why Canadian Tire established its JumpStart Charities program. In 2005, the Calgaryarea chapter of JumpStart was established which, by the end of 2012, had supported 15,768 kids and given back more than $1.3 million to the community.
“We help kids get active in sports and recreation — we’ll pay for registration fees and for equipment, and we’ll also pay for transportation to get them to the event,” says Rob Hatch, associate dealer with Canadian Tire’s Cochrane location and chair of the local JumpStart chapter (he also sits on the national board).
One of the country’s largest JumpStart chapters, the local organization has partnered with the YMCA, City of Calgary, Talisman Centre, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Calgary Police Service and others to support families.
“We contribute up to $300 per child per funding period and there are two funding periods a year,” explains Hatch. “Usually, a family would approach one of our community partners. For example, a family that has a relationship with KidSport would contact them and say they need access to funds for their child to play soccer. KidSport then applies to JumpStart for the funds and we’ll send the money to KidSport which will pay for the registration, etc.”
Swimming and soccer are the two highest-demand sports, though JumpStart also supports activities such as dance, hockey, martial arts, equestrian, orienteering, rockclimbing and even cheerleading, says Hatch.
“We’re not completely focused on sport — it’s about getting active,” he says. “Canadian Tire has been doing this kind of thing for the more than 90 years it’s been involved in the community. The whole JumpStart idea really fits who we are.”
Although JumpStart is a national program, the 13 Canadian Tire stores in the Calgary region, as well as other stores in its family such as Marks, Sport Chek and PartSource, have joined forces to localize the program for the needs of local families, Hatch says.
The program is supported locally through initiatives such as Pedal for Kids, a 500-kilometre trek through the Rockies that arrived at Canada Olympic Park last July. JumpStart also hosted a special JumpStart Games event in High River in August where 600 kids enjoyed a respite from the flood recovery.
Next year, a charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro will also raise funds, says Hatch.
But you don’t have to go to Africa to support JumpStart. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 26, the Canadian Tire Holiday Fundraiser lets customers support JumpStart through the purchase of special red gift bags for a $2 donation.
The annual Red Ball Campaign is also under way —a $2 donation gets you a keepsake red ball and all money raised stays here to support local JumpStart initiatives, says Hatch. For more information on JumpStart, visit jumpstart. canadiantire.ca, call 1-877-6166600, or drop by your local Canadian Tire store.