Canadian Tire Jumpstart gives kids a sporting chance

Jonathan spends a Hood lot of time telling young people about his own athletic journey. For the Toronto Argonauts defensive back, sharing the lessons he has learned with others is an important part of the job.

“Sports can teach you how to win and lose gracefully, and how to get along with other people,” Hood says. “It can also teach you about teamwork, group dynamics, and life skills.”

When Hood isn’t honing his own impressive football skills, he works as a public speaker, mentor and coach. He runs a camp in the off-season that teaches young players the fundamentals of football. He’s involved with the GTA Youth Athletics Club, and has spearheaded MPower, an organization that provides leadership skills and mentoring for at-risk youth. Plus, he speaks to high school students every chance he gets.

These days Hood is spreading his message about sport in another way, through his involvement with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.

Jumpstart is a national charity dedicated to removing financial barriers so kids across Canada have the opportunity to get off the sidelines and into the game. Since 2005, Jumpstart has helped more than 700,000 kids participate in sports and physical activity programs.

The reality is that one in three Canadian families struggle with financial barriers, which means that many kids are missing out on the benefits that come with organized play. Add to that the fact that budget cuts across the country mean less physical education and decreased extracurricular activities in school. What’s more, childhood obesity rates are on the rise, along with a general perception that neighbourhoods aren’t safe places for kids to play anymore.

Hood believes it’s up to ev- eryone in their communities to do their part to support youth sports and activities. “You have to look at yourself,” he says. “If you were coached and mentored when you were a kid, you are better off for it. Charities like Canadian Tire Jumpstart are opportunities to let young people achieve their dreams. We should all support that.”

Whether it’s the chance to try a sport for the very first time or to continue with a favourite physical activity, Jumpstart makes it possible for all kids to participate.

Participation in sports and physical activity programming offers many benefits for kids that will improve their chances for success in life. It does more than just improve health and well-being — it also helps build confidence, leadership, productivity and creativity.

You can help kids from financially disadvantaged families get in the game by supporting the Jumpstart Red Ball campaign. Throughout May, head into your local Canadian Tire, Mark’s, Sport Chek, Atmosphere, National Sports or Gas+ location and donate $2 in exchange for your own Jumpstart Red Ball. The ball represents the gift of play you are giving to a deserving child.

An incredible one hundred per cent of customer donations go directly to helping kids from families in financial need to take part in sports and physical activity. What’s more is that all donations made in stores stay in your community to help local kids win.

To learn more about how Jumpstart is making an impact in your community or to make a donation, visit canadiantire.ca/ jumpstart.