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Creative Kids helps Saskatchewan children grow, shine and belong
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rts and culture have an important role in the lives of children and youth — a role that has become even more apparent during the pandemic. While many children and youth were able to turn to organized music, art and dance and other cultural activities to help them cope with change, confusion and isolation over the past year, some kids faced financial barriers to accessing cultural activities of their choice Creative Kids was created to help Saskatchewan children and youth access cultural activities by eliminating the financial barriers. Despite fundraising challenges due to the pandemic, Creative Kids granted more than $467,000 in 2020 to support over 920 kids who wanted access to artistic and cultural activities. This year, the demand for support continues as more and more young people seek opportunities for growth through creative expression.
LESLIE’S STORY
Leslie confirms this is true in her son’s case, Lewin. Leslie has always known what music meant to her eightyear-old son, Lewin. When they decided to move permanently to Canada in 2019, she began looking for opportunities around their new home for her son to continue to follow his passion. When she found out about Creative Kids, she was glad such a program existed. Thanks to many generous
donations, Lewin is one of over 10,000 children and youth who have been provided with grants to continue following their cultural dreams. In Lewin’s case, his dream has always been music. Despite in-person gathering restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lewin is able to take piano lessons via Zoom with the studio of Sarah Clark Gregory. “It is really a big help for me, especially during this pandemic,” Leslie says. “It was such a relief when Lewin is one of over 10,000 Saskatchewan children and youth who have been my son got approved for provided with grants from Creative Kids to continue following their cultural funding.” dreams. During the pandemic, Lewin was able to follow his passion for music and take piano lessons via Zoom. (Photo: Creative Kids) Last Christmas, he played h i s favourite Christmas songs, barriers to arts and cultural Creative Kids encourages recorded them and sent them activities for Saskatchewan everyone to consider making to his teacher for their online children and youth four to a one-time donation, signrecital. He also shared the 19 years of age. Since 2010, ing-up for monthly giving, and recorded video with his family Creative Kids has helped more donating to its fundraising members in the Philippines. than 10,760 kids in over 238 campaigns. “It’s up to all of “It was a wonderful expe- Saskatchewan communities. us to help ensure that chilrience for him as we got to “As the world becomes a safer dren in need are able to access upload it on YouTube for his place, and more doors open, these programs. Together, we dad and grandparents to we anticipate that applications can create positive change in watch,” she says. “They are will continue to increase as Saskatchewan communities,” very happy for Lewin and many more kids will want to says Walsh. they are also thankful to all the participate in creative activTo donate to Creative Kids, people who are helping us here ities such as dance, music, visit creativekidssask.ca or call in Canada, particularly here in visual art, drama and many 306-780-9452. the province of Saskatchewan.” others,” explains Gloria Thanks to funding from Sask Walsh, manager, Creative Lotteries, SaskCulture is able THE NEED CONTINUES Kids. “Our goal is to meet to cover all administrative TO GROW the need of every deserving costs for Creative Kids so Creative Kids was created child or youth by providing that 100 per cent of all donain 2010 by SaskCulture — a them with the opportunity to tions go directly to helping community-based, non-profit creatively engage their minds, Saskatchewan children and cultural organization — to as well as learn and nurture youth to participate in cultural remove financial and social new skills.” activities.
