KidsFest
HELP OUR NEXT GENERATION OF CHAMPIONS
CROSS THE FINISH LINE TO SUCCESS!
Step up to the challenge and help KidsFest break the cycle of poverty amongst the 1 million Canadian children who live at or below the poverty line
KidsFest is dedicated to breaking the cycle of child poverty by providing ongoing educational support to Canada's at risk children throughout their school years, nurturing mind, body and social health so they are empowered to succeed and become positive role models for change.
On September 26, 2010, 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 or walk to the finish line with us and help raise funds to make an even greater difference in thousands of young lives. We believe there are no poor minds – only poor opportunities – and every child deserves the opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential. You can help make that happen!
Benefits to joining the KidsFest team!
- DISCOUNT on registration fee for all KidsFest team members
- FREE online training programs through www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com
- FREE high visibility KidsFest technical t-shirt for every runner who raises a minimum of $100.00
- FREE high visibility KidsFest technical t-shirt and pair of Brooks Running Shoes for every KidsFest team member who raises $1,000.00
- FREE high visibility KidsFest technical t-shirt, pair of Brooks Running Shoes, and Brooks Nightlife high visibility hat, gloves and reflective arm band for every runner who raises $2,500
- FREE high visibility KidsFest technical t-shirt, pair of Brooks Running Shoes, Brooks Nightlife high visibility hat, gloves and reflective arm band, and Brooks Nightlife high visibility jacket for every runner who raises $5,000
* Prizes subject to change.
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 info@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-six 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