Canadian Tire Jumpstart & KidSport Ontario Programs

Socatots Burlington Hamilton has learned of two wonderful charitable programs for families in need of financial assistance towards sport and recreation activities.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program

The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program focuses on helping individual children become involved in organized sports and recreational activities to help them develop a healthier lifestyle in their younger years.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a charitable program that helps children in financial need aged 4 to 18 participate in organized sport and recreation activities.

The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program works with community organizations to form local Chapters that identify and approve the children who receive support.

If you would like to apply for your child to receive support, Canadian Tire Jumpstart accepts applications from eligible families twice per year: 1) the last 2 weeks in January; and 2) the first 2 weeks in June.

The application process is handled through a central toll free call centre (1-877-616-6600). The family name, address and phone number and other relevant information pertaining to the recreational activity your child would like to participate in will be required and recorded at the time of your call. This information will be passed along to the local Canadian Tire Jumpstart Chapter for review.

To date, there are 299 Canadian Tire Jumpstart® chapters in communities across the country. Since its launch in February 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart® has helped give more than 216,498 children in financial need the chance to play.

KidSport Ontario Program

Giving ALL children the opportunity to play sport in Ontario

The KidSport™ Mission is simple, to help overcome the financial barriers that exist in families so that all children have the opportunity to participate in organized sport and experience the benefits of active living. This is accomplished by providing financial support for registration fees and/or equipment grants that go directly to families. It is through KidSport™ that children who are the least likely to have the opportunity to play now have hope.

KidSport considers social and economic barriers facing the child’s family when determining eligibility. The KidSport grant covers up to $250 per child, per calendar year, to go towards registration fees and personal sports equipment. The KidSport Ontario grant covers organized sports that are instructed by qualified coaches and that represent a sustainable sport experience. Children 18 years old and under qualify for KidSport funding.

KidSport will ask for documentation at the time of application, which includes: Organization/club/league registration form, quote from retailer if equipment is requested, income verification which includes: Notice of Assessment and 3 consecutive paystubs or EI / Ontario works documentation, and endorsement letter.

Applications must be submitted 45 days prior to activity start date. Funds for registration fees will be provided to the family but will be issued and made payable directly to the sport club or retailer in the case of equipment purchase.

For more information on the KidSport™grant application guidelines email adamv@kidsportcanada.ca or phone 416-426-7260.