FOUNDATIONS OPPORTUNITY CHANGES EVERYTHING
Spring 2022
Ready, set, go! After over two years of restrictions and closures, we are eager to gather together, join hands and live life again! You can see it in the record registrations BGC Kawarthas is experiencing in soccer programs – over 700 children! In the faces of parents as they meet their children’s caregivers face to face (and without masks and visors) and see our childcare spaces for the first time in two years! In the glimmer in the eyes of our Dream Ball decorating committee as they imagine a world of make believe for the 28th annual event themed Alice in Wonderland. As we ‘turn on the taps’ on our splashpad this year, return summer camps to full capacity and break ground on a new skatepark we know that children and youth will delight at the freedom to be kids again, to socialize, to try new things, learn important life skills and connect with our amazing leaders.
Monthly Giving Monthly giving is a way of making regular donations via pre-authorized payments. You are able to designate your monthly gift to one of our many programs. You will receive a consolidated tax receipt in February, before your tax return is due. Sign Up: By email: lrichards@bgckawarthas.com By phone: 705 324-4493 ext 238 More Information: bgckawarthas.com/
Thank You: Corporate Major Donors 3 TD 3 The Wood Family Charitable Foundation 3 Wards PC 3 Otto & Marie Pick Foundation 3 Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains 3 Crayola Canada 3 Kawartha Credit Union Peterborough 3 Stewart Morrison Insurance 3 Twisted Trauma
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Geoff Grier President
Broghan Dean Director
Greg Murphy Vice President
Krystina Cunnington Director
Laurie Charlebois Treasurer
Amy Terrill Executive Director
Richard Christie Secretary
Honourary Directors Greg Walling Emily Avery-Graves
Dianna Scates Past President
Designed by Heather McCullough Resource Development Coordinator
107 Lindsay Street South Lindsay, Ontario K9V 2M5 (705) 324 - 4493
The impact of the pandemic on our children and youth has been profound. BGC Kawarthas has been proud to respond to that need with our new Youth Outreach Worker who has received 27 referrals in 4 months. The program was started with financial support from Wards Lawyers. We continue to look for ongoing, sustainable funding as youth in our community need this support. Recently our team received this amazing endorsement: “Thank you to the staff at BGC Kawarthas, licensed childcare and recreation for who you are. For the love of engaging with children and youth, and for the desire to support families in the belief that not just children, every community member, is capable, competent and has the right to grow into strong individuals.” Teresa Dumas, Early Learning Coordinator As things return to full capacity, we continue to appreciate you, our donors, for your generosity. We hope that you can continue to prioritize BGC with your charitable gifts. Our needs continue to be: Turn on the Taps splashpad campaign, Youth Mental Health and Youth Warehouse support, and general donations to provide subsidies which are sure to grow as families recover from the pandemic. On behalf of all the staff and volunteers of BGC Kawarthas Foundation and Club, thank you. Amy Terrill, Geoff Grier, Executive Director Foundation President
www.bgckawarthas.com
Charitable Organization No. 89919 8873 RR0001
It is the mission of BGC Kawarthas Foundation to support the aims of BGC Kawarthas by acquiring the necessary financial resources to meet local youth service needs.
New Skateboard Park! Have you heard? BGC Kawarthas is building a skatepark this year that will accommodate skateboards, scooters and BMX bikes! Construction will begin in July and the park completed by November. Here are some benefits of having a skatepark:
3 It fills a gap! Parents have been driving their children and youth to Durham Region and Peterborough for many years.
3 It offers an alternative to riding on the road where collisions can occur with motor vehicles.
3 Young athletes will avoid conflicts with property owners or law enforcement caused by skating in non- sanctioned spaces.
3 Help youth maintain a passion that keeps them active and connected to friendships. BGC Kawarthas is the perfect location for a skatepark in Lindsay. Why do you say? 1. We already have a hub for children and youth sports with outdoor basketball courts, beach volleyball and climbing facilities. 2. Our Youth Services team will connect with youth who use the facility. The park will be designed and constructed using a $475,000 Community Building Fund – Capital grant from the Government of Ontario and administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, as well as additional grant support. “A new skatepark will be a fantastic addition to our community and will be a hub where youth can gather to participate in social sports like skateboarding and biking,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “This is a long-awaited project for Lindsay and I’m thrilled this grant will be able to bring the project to life with the help and guidance of BGC Kawarthas.”
The annual Kawartha Lakes Youth Awards was created by the Foundation to shine a spotlight on youth in our community between the ages of 12 and 24. Involvement with the BGC Kawarthas is only required for the BGC Kawarthas Club Spirit Award. This year, we were excited to host our 3rd Annual Kawartha Lakes Youth Awards on June 10th at the Club. Included in our award line up was our $1000 Ron Kennedy Scholarship established by our founder’s family and awarded to one nominee, who is transitioning to post-secondary education or training in the next 12 months. Additionally, our Club Spirit Award recipient in the 18-24yr category received a $650 scholarship established by Benny, Gail Beall & Family in honour of Marcie Beall. Marcie Beall worked with BGC in the after school program, Warehouse and Day Care. While working in her final role with Support Services Marcie was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Marcie’s tireless spirit, ability to always smile and never give up is why this award is the perfect way to honour her. We received nominations from a variety of sources throughout the community, all highlighting extraordinary youth. Their stories were inspiring and reinforce that the future of our community is in excellent hands. We are grateful to our nominators, judges and sponsors for making it possible for us to honour so many impressive youth. Here are our sponsors and winners:
Arts Achievement: Sponsored by Flato Supported by Kawartha Lakes Arts Council winners: Carolyn Eve Koty, Julia Cossarin, Jack Burrill Humanitarian: Sponsored by Wood-Mizer winner: Siobhan Cadigan Entrepreneurship: Sponsored by KLCFDC & City of Kawartha Lakes winner: Miranda Jensen Green Award: Sponsored by Fleming College winner: Jessica Kellow BGC Club Spirit & Marcie Beall Scholarship: Sponsored by Cable Cable /Scholarship from the Beall/Lough families winners: Avery Tzountzouris Marcie Beall Scholarship: Marc Marchand
As our design concepts are confirmed, we’ll be able to identify some of the gaps in our project that need community support!
Physical Literacy: Sponsored by Kawartha Care Wellness winner: Reagan Lusted
For more information on the “Skate to the Future” Project, please visit the website BGC Kawarthas, and follow the following social media platforms (Insta @bgckawarthas, Facebook: BGC Kawarthas)
Leadership: Sponsored by Greg Evans Professional Corporation winners: Madeline Rauch, Hillary Baker Ron Kennedy Scholarship: Supported by the Kennedy Family winner: Hannah Schevers
Fox Family Invests in Children’s Future Children and youth at BGC Kawarthas will benefit for many years to come from a $100,000 legacy gift from the Families of Dom and John Fox. In a recent survey, 2/3 of club kids said because of the club, they are more confident being themselves, more excited to try new things and more physically active. John Fox: “We have always supported the Boys and Girls Club. I was a founding member and Past President of the Foundation board and knew a lot about the Club. We like the work they do and the people they serve. The organization has helped countless families and individuals.” Dom Fox was a lifelong supporter of many local organizations. When Dom passed away in 2019, the community felt a great loss. John says that his dad enjoyed being there to help local organizations. “We always felt that since we did business in the community that we had an obligation to support the various non-profit organizations within the area. So many organizations had a lot of needs. Plus, we enjoyed doing it.” “Anyone wishing to give to BGC should know their donations will go directly to those that need it,” adds Fox. “They will impact the lives of many children and teenagers within the community.” By naming BGC Kawarthas Foundation in your will, you can leave a legacy for many years to come. A gift can take the form of money, assets (ie. Securities, life insurance) or property. Not only will you help local children and youth, but you or your estate will receive tax benefits. On behalf of the children, youth and families we serve, we wish to thank the Fox family for the generous gift.
www.bgckawarthas.com
Resiliency: Sponsored by Pinnguaq winners: Hannah Schevers, Marc Marchand
Give the Gift of Opportunity
Special thanks to our stage sponsor: Planet Fitness
SPLASH PAD! DONATE AN HOUR OF SMILES! There is widespread recognition that the isolation, anxiety and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have had negative impacts on children, youth and families. But this summer, you can help us lift the spirits of kids in our community. Again, this year, we need your help to power the Splash Pad weekdays for our summer camps and for the broader community on weekends. The sheer joy that we see on children’s faces as they wait gleefully for the water to rain down on them, or as they run through the jets, brings smiles and laughter to parents and our staff as well. And we all need to smile... Turning the taps on comes at a cost to our Club. Each hour costs about $60 in water and sewer charges and additional costs. Our Splash Pad is an essential part of our summer camp programs and we would like to open to the public on weekends all summer long. It is a vital summer activity for our local community that offers enjoyment to all ages and all abilities. With your help we can provide hundreds of hours of pure fun and huge smiles!
We need your help to turn on the taps this summer and turn up the smiles! Let’s wash away some of the negative effects that the pandemic has had on children in our community and help to give them a summer they will want to remember! Please use the envelope included or donate online at bgckawarthas.com/giving Each dollar we raise in June also gives us an opportunity to win a $20,000 donation from Canada Helps Great Canadian Giving Challenge.
28th Annual Dream Ball 2022 The 28th Annual Dream Ball returns to Lindsay’s Victoria Park Armoury on November 19th to raise money to support camp programs for kids in the Kawartha Lakes. For its return to the original format with dinner, dancing, live, silent & online auctions & Westjet raffle, the event will step through the Looking Glass with an Alice in Wonderland theme! Proceeds from the Dream Ball will go to the summer camp funds at BGC Kawarthas Foundation and the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation (KHCF). The dollars are used to subsidize summer camp experiences for children and youth. Attending camp with all of its challenges, experiences and skill based learning has a positive impact on children’s development. Children who attend camp develop social skills, grow emotionally, become more self-confident, gain physical skills and learn more about their environment. With the support of generous donors and now the proceeds of the Dream Ball, the Club can guarantee that no child will ever be denied access to summer camp due to financial difficulties. More information regarding tickets, sponsorship and auction donation opportunities contact us today: lrichards@bgckawarthas.com
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Indigenous Engagement BGC’s journey into equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as progress towards Truth and Reconciliation have driven the national transition from Boys and Girls Clubs to BGC, demonstrating to youth from coast to coast to coast that they are welcomed and valued at BGC Clubs, regardless of their identity or background. Local Initiatives Include:
National Initiatives Include:
3 BGC Kawarthas formed an EDI task force
3 Partner support of EDI initiatives, including
to identify club-wide opportunities and programming. 3 We’re introducing concepts around Truth and Reconciliation through Youth Services including hosting Anishnaabe waterwalker Mary Anne Caibaiosai and other guests. 3 Participation by Board member Laraine Hale in the national Indigenous Advisory Circle to provide guidance and further relationships with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and organizations. 3 Development of an Inclusion mural at the Youth Warehouse by artist Jess Spagnolo.
CIBC Youth Accelerator scholarships for Black youth and Anti-Racism Initiative Microgrants sponsored by Best Buy, Hyundai, and ADP. 3 Toolkits and resources to help Club staff and youth participate in Have a Heart Day, National Indigenous History Month, Orange Shirt Day, Pride Month, and other advocacy events. 3 661 participants in the Youth Leading Reconciliation program, engaging Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in crosscultural dialogue, community-building, and collaboration. 3 Developed 2S & LGBTQIA+ and Anti-Racism toolkits with information and activities to increase awareness and build inclusion across the BGC movement.
www.bgckawarthas.com
Give the Gift of Opportunity