Creative Kids provides access to thousands of kids
New skills, time management abilities and an expanded social circle are just a few of the benefits of extracurricular activities. Creative Kids is a Saskatchewan-based organization dedicated to helping children and youth access life-changing artistic and cultural activities in their communities.
Since being established in the fall of 2010, Creative Kids has helped more than 7,300 children in 213 communities across the province with more than $3.3 million in funding.
The organization provides financial support to Saskatchewan families so that children and youth have an opportunity to participate in creative experiences such as art, music, dance, theatre and culture. Funding is based on each family’s financial need and Creative Kids may provide up to $750 for a child’s activity per year.
Based in Regina, Christie Mcculloch is in Fund Development with Creative Kids. Mcculloch acknowledges that the province’s most recent resources downturn and overall economy has impacted their fundraising.
“When our organization has less funds coming in, our income cutoff for eligible families gets lower, resulting in our financial support only going to the families with absolutely no extra money. These families count on Creative Kids for funding and their children would not go to activities otherwise. It’s so important to try to even the playing field for children from lower-income families,” says Mcculloch.
According to Statistics Canada, the percentage of children living in lowincome households in Saskatchewan in 2015 was 17.8 percent. Creative Kids estimates that more than 33,000 children in the province have limited access to essential daily needs and opportunities for positive personal growth.
“The activities we fund can be transformative for a child. These experiences can impact the development of that child and the adult that child ultimately becomes. Making new friends, gaining skills that can be translated into the workforce, improving overall quality of life – the benefits of extracurricular art and culture activities are huge. It really helps to make a difference in their life.”
Funding is open to Saskatchewan residents and available for children and youth ages four to 19. Activities supported are primarily artistic and cultural. Funding for athletic and sports activities falls under the domain of Kidsport Saskatchewan. If an application is funded, Creative Kids pays the instructor or service provider (such as a music teacher or dance studio) directly.
Creative Kids receives administrative funding through the non-profit Saskculture. One of Saskculture’s roles is to ensure that a portion of the money derived from Saskatchewan Lotteries ticket sales supports art and culture in the province. As a result, 100 per cent of donations to Creative Kids go towards funding activities for children and youth. Plus, donors can allocate funding to a specific community or to a specific activity.
Creative Kids also partners with the Saskatchewan Arts Board to increase its Saskatoon presence. Saskatoon is the largest community of need in the province due to the city’s size, the number of activities available and the higher number of low-income families.
Mcculloch has multiple suggestions for fundraising for Creative Kids. Direct donations to the organization are also greatly appreciated.
“I have two recommendations for events. A company or individual can sponsor an existing Creative Kids event. We are thrilled to recognize our donors online and in printed materials. There is also the option of hosting a third party event, such as a dress-down Friday at the office or a bake sale. We always appreciate being a chosen charity!”
Mcculloch also has a unique idea for an end-of-year teacher’s gift. “Instead of a candle or a box of chocolates, I suggest a donation to Creative Kids in your teacher’s name. Your teacher will receive a thank you card and it benefits local kids. This is especially appropriate for an art, drama or music teacher.”
To find out more about Creative Kids, go to www.creativekidssask.ca or one of these social media accounts: