April 30, marked the conclusion of PRO Kids first “Power to Play” fundraising campaign. With the concept of being “the #1 fan of a child in need”, the campaign was launched in an effort to help Thunder Bay children and youth access sports and recreation activities when their families cannot afford the fees. 

PRO Kids helps an average of 1,200 kids play various local activities including soccer, hockey, gymnastics and art in a typical year. To do so, PRO Kids must fundraise close to $110,000 annually. The “Power to Play” campaign aimed to raise $50,000 and successfully achieved this result.

“It’s a bit scary to set a fundraising goal of $50,000 for your first-ever annual campaign – but city residents and businesses pulled through for the kids!” said Laura Daniele, PRO Kids Coordinator. “We reached our target which means that every child, regardless of financial status, has the opportunity to access community activities. We are so thankful for the outpouring of support from the people of Thunder Bay.”

The month-long campaign saw support from the community including local NHL player Carter Hutton, local artist Marielle Orr, and local curling celebrities, Sarah Potts and Rick and Lorraine Lang. Thunder Bay businesses provided their support, including MNP who brought the campaign to its goal with a $10,000 donation. This brought the campaign total to $51,515, enough to help 50 youth play hockey or 500 children access swimming lessons.

“In our inaugural Power to Play Campaign we’ve been inspired by the support of our community,” said Kathy Ball, Chair of PRO Kids Directors. “This generous donation from MNP not only ensured that we reached our fundraising goal, it also allows us to continue providing positive recreation opportunities for youth in need.”

MNP Partners were happy to support local children and youth. “It is important to be involved in the community,” said Steve Blazino, MNP Partner. “MNP strives to support local initiatives that are making a difference and helping those in need. We believe that recreation and sport should be accessible to every child. We are proud to support Thunder Bay’s PRO Kids and the Power to Play campaign. ”

PRO Kids would like to thank the Thunder Bay community and MNP for their exceptional generosity to help give all children equal access to recreation. 

More information on PRO Kids can be found by visiting www.prokidsthunderbay.ca.

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

 

Pictured, Members of PRO Kids & MNP: Laura Daniele, Dave Covello, Jon Racco, Steve Blazino, Rob Mozzon, Shelly Gaudreau, Jay Storeshaw, and Kathy Ball.

MNP Donation to Power to Play Campaign