Published May 01, 2019 06:00
Name: Micha Age: 10 BGC Club Location: Central Hub How does coming to the Boys and Girls Club make you feel? I like the people and they are so kind, and I like the kids, and it just makes me feel happy! What is your favourite activity at the Boys and Girls Club? Making slime and playing outside! What should everyone know about the Boys and Girls Club? You should come here because it's so much fun and kids will love you!
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The Boys and Girls Club of Kingston & Area has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in 1993, now serving over 5500 children and youth annually. Their mission is to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life. Today marks the launch of the 19th Annual The Kingston Whig- Standard Spring Campaign to help local children and youth, and we invite you to support the great work of the Boys and Girls Club here in our community. This year, our goal is to raise $100,000 to support critical programs for children and youth. The impact of the programs offered through the Boys and Girls Club is easy to see - the following story is just one example:
Denise’s daughter, Micha, was just 5 years old when she was first introduced to the Boys and Girls Club. “Little did I know that the Club would save our lives,” Denise recalls. Denise and Micha had just suffered a sudden loss in their family and were struggling with immense grief, all while starting at a new school with no connections. Her sweet and happy child was acting out her grief, and Denise dreaded the daily update on her behaviour. The Boys and Girls Club welcomed Micha and Denise with open arms, and as time went on, Denise quickly began to see the impact of the love, guidance and routines at the Club. “I could finally breathe,” she says.
Nearly six years later, Denise and Micha are still a part of the Boys and Girls Club family. During the school year, Micha attends After School Program where she is picked up from school by a Boys and Girls Club bus, gets her homework done in Homework Club, and enjoys a nutritious snack and healthy dinner all before home time. Micha also participates in Sports League once a week, playing a different sport each month, and looks forward to the Halloween party all year. “She would not be able to have all of these great experiences if it wasn’t for the Boys and Girls Club,” Denise says.
In the summer, the fun doesn’t stop - Micha loves to come to camp and participate in fun activities all day long with games, crafts, swimming, field trips, and more. “It is such a relief having my child wake up excited to go to the camps. With a child with special needs - this is the one place she feels a genuine sense of belonging. She is celebrated and loved – she is exceptionally happy. This is more than the amazing programs – this is a village that has shaped our little family – raised a grieving, wee child into a confident, well-adjusted, happy child.”
“Thank you – we are only one family of thousands, please know you’ve made a difference – a huge difference – in at least one child’s life.” - Denise, Micha’s Mother
The Boys and Girls Club aims to empower children and youth to reach their full potential, and it simply wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of community donors. You can make a difference in a child’s life, by providing healthy snacks, nutritious meals, educational support, and a safe space for kids to be themselves. We hope that you will join us in supporting this worthwhile organization through The Kingston Whig Standard Spring Campaign, and take the opportunity to learn more about the programs offered at the Boys and Girls Club by following the articles every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the month of May.
Thank you for supporting children and youth in our community.
Donate Now
Whig-Standard/Boys and Girls Club Campaign How to Donate By cheque:
To the address below and indicate if you would like to keep your donation anonymous.
By credit card (Visa, MasterCard): Call 613-507-3306, ext. 110
By cash: At the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston and Area West End Hub, 1300 Bath Rd., Kingston, ON, K7M 4X4
Online: At www.bgckingston.ca , click on the secure “Donate Now” button on the top right side of the website.
Tax Receipt: A tax receipt will be mailed to you within four weeks.
Questions: Heather Hayhow, heatherh@bgckingston.ca
Thank you for supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston & Area!