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Creative Kids helps Saskatchewan children grow, shine and belong

Arts 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 my son got approved for funding.”

Last Christmas, he played his favourite Christmas songs, recorded them and sent them to his teacher for their online recital. He also shared the recorded video with his family members in the Philippines.

“It was a wonderful experience for him as we got to upload it on YouTube for his dad and grandparents to watch,” she says. “They are very happy for Lewin and they are also thankful to all the people who are helping us here in Canada, particularly here in the province of Saskatchewan.”

THE NEED CONTINUES TO GROW

Creative Kids was created in 2010 by SaskCulture — a community-based, non-profit cultural organization — to remove financial and social barriers to arts and cultural activities for Saskatchewan children and youth four to 19 years of age. Since 2010, Creative Kids has helped more than 10,760 kids in over 238 Saskatchewan communities. “As the world becomes a safer place, and more doors open, we anticipate that applications will continue to increase as many more kids will want to participate in creative activities such as dance, music, visual art, drama and many others,” explains Gloria Walsh, manager, Creative Kids. “Our goal is to meet the need of every deserving child or youth by providing them with the opportunity to creatively engage their minds, as well as learn and nurture new skills.”

Lewin is one of over 10,000 Saskatchewan children and youth who have been provided with grants from Creative Kids to continue following their cultural dreams. During the pandemic, Lewin was able to follow his passion for music and take piano lessons via Zoom. (Photo: Creative Kids) Creative Kids encourages everyone to consider making a one-time donation, signing-up for monthly giving, and donating to its fundraising campaigns. “It’s up to all of us to help ensure that children in need are able to access these programs. Together, we can create positive change in Saskatchewan communities,” says Walsh. To donate to Creative Kids, visit creativekidssask.ca or call 306-780-9452. Thanks to funding from Sask Lotteries, SaskCulture is able to cover all administrative costs for Creative Kids so that 100 per cent of all donations go directly to helping Saskatchewan children and youth to participate in cultural activities.