January 23, 2018 - The PRO Kids program has been serving families and youth in Thunder Bay for 20 years. PRO Kids stands for Positive Recreation Opportunities for Kids, and that is exactly what the organization provides. It is a registered charity dedicated to making recreation opportunities accessible for Thunder Bay children and youth who are unable to participate in programs due to lack of funds. Since its implementation in 1998, PRO Kids has made 22,734 placements of children in activities. These programs help youth develop leadership and teamwork skills, enhance self-esteem, and form social and relationship skills that are transferable to day to day life. 

The City of Thunder Bay Recreation & Culture Division acknowledged the importance of recreation and developed PRO Kids with the help of social service agencies, recreation activity providers, youth and other stakeholders. 

"It has been such a pleasure working at PRO Kids over the years", says Laura Daniele, PRO Kids Coordinator since the introduction of the program 20 years ago. "There are so many positive things that occur. In addition to the benefits it provides to the kids, it gives parents a sense of hope and empowerment, knowing that their children can fit in like other kids and do something they enjoy in the community."

PRO Kids is able to operate due to the continued support of over 200 community partners who donate free and discounted spaces in their programs. In 2017 alone, $217,559 in spaces were provided by Thunder Bay activity providers. PRO Kids matched these spaces by contributing an additional $107,987 to registration costs last year. This allowed for the placement of 1,444 local children to access sports, arts and cultural activities.  

A media conference was held January 23rd to celebrate PRO Kids is 20th Anniversary and the launch of its new visual identity and logo. The new look includes a modernized version of its logo that exudes confidence, fun, growth and pride. The charity noted that it is further developing its operations by bringing its application online with hopes of making the program even more accessible.

PRO Kids would like to thank its partners, donors, volunteers, board, fundraising committee and various other stakeholders for their support over the last 20 years. 

Have you have been impacted by PRO Kids? Please tell us your experiences as a kid, parent, coach or donor using #PROKidsImpact on your social media platforms. 

For more information please visit www.prokidsthunderbay.ca. 

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