BGC to receive $174,000 from province for after-school recreational activities

The Ontario Government is investing in BGC Kawarthas with a $174,000 grant to allow for more after-school recreational activities, safe supervised sports, and opportunities for children to develop leadership skills and improve personal wellness.

Through Ontario’s After School Program, more than 20,000 children and youth, from kindergarten to Grade 12, have access to safe supervised sports and recreational activities in 80 communities across the province, including 11 First Nations communities. In addition to helping the kids of Kawartha Lakes stay active and engaged in unstructured play and activities such as Basketball, Dancing, or Soccer, Ontario’s After School Program also helps children enhance their nutritional education, build higher self-esteems, and, more importantly, creates a positive and equitable anti-bullying atmosphere.

“After school programs are important for supporting local youth across our community. The grant provided to BGC Kawarthas allows funds to be used to enhance recreational activities that aim to keep our community’s youth physically active and healthy” said MPP Laurie Scott, Haliburton – Kawartha Lakes – Brock.

“This is a critical financial contribution to our After School programs, helping us offer affordable, high-quality, accessible out-of-school care for children and youth.  In a recent survey of our participants, 80% reported being more comfortable being themselves because of BGC Kawarthas, and over 70% said they were more physically active because of the club.  Providing inclusive, high-quality programming that helps develop healthy, confident young people is our commitment to the community.  Thank you to the Government of Ontario and MPP Laurie Scott for your support.”  Amy Terrill, Executive Director

In addition, Ontario’s After School Program has been shown to increase the quality of life for children, whilst also contributing to substantial improvements in their academic performance.

Quick Facts

• Ontario’s After School Program is currently delivered by 110 organizations across Ontario supporting low-income and northern/rural communities, Francophone neighbourhoods, and First Nations communities.
• Programming is tailored to the needs of each community and may also include homework help, arts and crafts, music, and cultural activities such a traditional French cooking or Indigenous drumming and dance routines.
• Families interested in After School Program can contact an After School Program delivery partner for more information about eligibility requirements and services offered by their program.