Funds raised will help provide opportunities in sport for kids from families facing financial barriers.
For Immediate Release â August 9, 2024 â (Vancouver, BC)
Malindi Elmore is preparing to run the womenâs marathon in her third Olympic Games in Paris in a few days, yet she still found time to help raise more than $26,000 for KidSport before she left.
Malindi teamed up with KidSport Kelowna, the local chapter where she lives, to host a special advanced screening of CBCâs âRunning a Revolutionâ, which documents Malindiâs inspiring journey to Paris 2024. Proceeds from ticket sales were donated to KidSport Kelowna. The chapter also hosted an online silent auction, sold exclusive Run Malindi Run t-shirts, and collected donations online to raise funds for the cause.
In the true style of a competitive athlete, Malindi exceeded her $24,000 fundraising goal, bringing in $26,700 for KidSport, which will help fund a season of sport for 66 kids through KidSport Kelowna.
Race walker and long-time KidSport ambassador, Evan Dunfee, also used his platform to support KidSport as part of his Olympic experience, posting on the day of his race from Paris encouraging his followers to donate to the cause.
The support couldnât come at a better time. KidSport chapters across the province have been receiving a significant influx of grant applications from families in need since the return to sport following the pandemic.
Last year, the organization funded sport for 7,742 kids across BC and distributed their largest ever total of $2.6M in individual grants. This was a 44% increase in the number of kids and a 52% increase in dollars over the previous year. And so far 2024 has been even busier. Some chapters have already reported surpassing their 2023 totals with five months left to go in the year, and many others are tracking well ahead of last yearâs pace.
âWe continue to a significant increase in grant applications from families in need in communities across BC,â says Angela Crowther, KidSport BCâs Director. âWeâre doing our best to keep up with the growing demand, but it has been difficult. Having ambassadors like Malindi and Evan on our side to help rally their community around KidSport is such a gift. Weâre so grateful for their support and are cheering them on in their respective events in Paris.â
While the costs associated with organized sport can be challenging, there are many benefits that make the investment worthwhile. It is well documented that participation in sport can benefit both a childâs physical and mental health, and provides important opportunities for kids to build friendships, gain confidence and create positive community connections that help fuel their potential.
Not every athlete that is supported through KidSport will go on to be an Olympian like Malindi or Evan, but they should at least have the opportunity to try. Donations to KidSport help kids in communities across the province participate in sport. To learn more or to make a donation, visit kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia.
About KidSport BC
The KidSport program aims to remove financial barriers to sport participation by providing grants to help cover the costs of registration fees. This program is intended to help increase participation numbers for Sport BC members and their local clubs by helping under-resourced children and youth access a season of sport. KidSport is a Registered Canadian Amateur Athletic Association (âRCAAAâ) with charitable status and can issue tax receipts to donors. Learn more at kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia or follow us @KidSportBC.
About Sport BC
Sport BC believes in the power of sport and is committed to building stronger communities through positive sport experiences. Our goal is to enhance and support sport participation in British Columbia ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through our KidSport BC, BC Amateur Sport Fund, and BC Women & Sport programs, along with our services Sport BC Insurance, and Payroll and Group Benefits; Sport BC supports our seventy plus member organizations. Learn more at sportbc.com or follow us @SportBC.