PRO Kids is excited to launch its first annual fundraising campaign, Power to Play. The campaign aims to raise $50,000 to help local children and youth access community activities when families cannot afford the fees. Power to Play, which runs for the month of April, is an opportunity for the public to support local kids in need. 

“We should never underestimate the value that recreation has on a child,” said Laura Daniele, PRO Kids Coordinator. “Our tagline is ‘be the number one fan of a child in need’. This came from the story of a PRO Kids client. We helped a six year old boy access hockey. His home life was not very supportive but he was surprised to find his whole family attend his games and cheer him on. That meant so much to him. This is the power of sport and activity. It can make a big difference in a child’s life.”

PRO Kids partners with over 200 local activity providers who donate free and discounted spaces in their programs. Through various fundraising initiatives, PRO Kids is able to pay for additional spaces that allow for double the number of kids to access activities.

In a typical year, PRO Kids helps 1,200 kids in the community participate in sport, art and cultural programs. These activities allow children and youth whose families are in financial need to reap the benefits of recreation while getting exercise, being creative, making friends, and having fun. Since its inception in 1998, PRO Kids has made over 25,000 placements of Thunder Bay children and youth into recreational activities. 

“We are encouraging community groups and organizations to step up and get involved in the campaign,” said Kathy Ball, Chair of PRO Kids Board of Directors. “For example, TD Bank will be collecting donations at all its local branches.”

"I am proud to work for TD where I get to be a part of sponsorships that really matter to me,” said Chantal Boutotte, Manager Customer Experience at TD. “PRO Kids’ Power to Play campaign has the potential be really impactful in our community. TD is thrilled to be a sponsor. We invite everyone to come in and place a donation with us for PRO Kids."

Donations to Power to Play can be made at local TD branches, the Canada Games Complex, or online at www.prokidsthunderbay.ca.

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Contact:           Laura Daniele, PRO Kids Coordinator, 625-3212, laura.daniele@thunderbay.ca