KidsFest
HELP PAVE THE PATHWAY OF HOPE FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES!
Step up to the challenge and help KidsFest break the cycle of poverty for thousands of economically challenged children
KidsFest is dedicated to equipping elementary-aged children who live below the poverty line, enabling them to become valuable contributors within their respective communities and Canada. Through our innovative Pathway of Hope offering comprehensive programs focused on education, physical fitness, and social interaction, KidsFest is giving kids from coast to coast the chance to dream and the tools to succeed.
On September 27, 2009, KidsFest invites you to become part of our team of champions as together we strive to break the vicious cycle of generational child poverty. Come run, walk or wheel to the finish line with us and help raise funds to make an even greater difference in thousands of young lives. We believe every child deserves an opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential, and you can help make that happen!
KidsFest Brooks Individual Pledge Incentive Reward
The Top Fundraiser who raises the most pledges for KidsFest by Event Day will receive:
- A Brooks Running Package including footwear ($500.00 value)
* Prize subject to change.
Benefits to joining the KidsFest team!
- A FREE tech-shirt with screening of KidsFest logo
- A reduced registration fee for KidsFest charity runners (contact us for code)
- Free online training programs through www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com
Be the difference that makes the difference in the lives of thousands of kids!! To participate, follow the links to register online, or contact the KidsFest Head Office at 1-888-320-8844 or rrclubs@kidsfestonline.com. To find out more about the Pathway of Hope we are creating for Canada's children, please visit our website at www.kidsfestonline.com.
A Message from Silvia Ruegger:
Twenty-five years ago, I had the incredible honour and privilege of running for Canada at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, participating in the first ever Olympic Women's Marathon. It was the achievement of a childhood dream. When I was competing for our nation, I knew nothing about childhood poverty in Canada. I did not know that 1.2 million Canadian children live in poverty. In fact whenever I had the opportunity I would comment that the thing I loved about Canada was that everyone could do and be what they wanted to do and be.
I realized how wrong I was when I retired and moved to an area of Toronto surrounded by housing projects. It was there that I met families living in great poverty; I saw a consistent change in the children when they reached age 9 or 10 that shook me to the core; I saw hope leave and with it the light in their eyes and the dreams in their hearts. They were beginning to believe that they would not make it; things would never change for them.
Kidsfest, a national children's charity brings opportunity and resources to Canadian children living in poverty. The Kidsfest Running and Reading Club is a high impact after-school program that improves physical fitness and academic achievement and provides mentorship to hundreds of children in Canada living in poverty. From coast to coast, we are seeing hope and dreams stay alive in the lives of children who participate in the program; many more are waiting… hungry for hope and opportunity.
I am still running, but now for the children of this country who will not make it if we do not come alongside them with the resources, tools, help and encouragement they need. I invite you to join me on the Kidsfest team and run for the children of this country who are in desperate need of hope. Together we can make a difference. As Margaret Mead once said "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
Many thanks,
Silvia