Switch, Support and Save to Give the Gift of Sport so ALL Kids Can Play
By David Morales and Deanna McArthur
It is now possible to support KidSport Calgary and Area in its ongoing quest to give kids the opportunity to swing a bat, shoot a puck, or smash a ball for happier, healthier lives, just by switching electricity providers.
KidSport Calgary and Area has partnered up with Spot Power, a Calgary based Energy Marketer, as a Marketing Associate to raise additional funds that will be used to remove financial barriers that prevent children from playing organized sport.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to participate, learn from and develop through sport,” said Kevin Webster, Executive Director at KidSport Calgary and Area. “Financial barriers should not keep them from the chance to play.”
Through organized sport, kids build self-confidence, learn life lessons and make new friends. Additionally, these activities improve academic performance and build strong healthy community. The goal of the program is to see kids more active in the sporting community.
According to a 2014 CIBC national survey, a third of Canadian children cannot afford to participate in organized sports due to high registration fees. Alberta has the highest costs of children’s sport in Canada; on average, Alberta parents spend $1,428 per child each year to participate in sports.
And with a recent downturn in the economy, it can be challenging for organizations like KidSport Calgary who are looking to increase or maintain funding.
“We have definitely seen some partners have to change their plans with us,” said Webster. “However, we have worked hard to overcome these challenges and to continue to find new partners so we can keep up with the growing demand we have seen in Calgary in Area. The last five years we have realized over a 60% growth in demand for our services from qualified local families.”
Out of 180 chapters working across Canada, KidSport Calgary and Area (which includes communities within a 50-km radius of Calgary, not including Okotoks) is the largest. Even with some challenging economic conditions, they have been able to persevere, and have almost achieved their fundraising goal for 2017.
“We are continually searching for new partnerships, new fundraising events and new donors,” said Webster. “We report to our community regularly, ensuring people understand the impact and need for our organization. We have currently raised over $1.4 million of our $1.8 million target for 2017.”
A New Way to Support a Great Cause
KidSport Calgary kicks off its annual holiday “Give the Gift of Sport” campaign November 24. The campaign is focused on raising awareness and generating donations to ensure it has the ability to grant the Gift of Sport to all qualified kids in the community.
This year they are launching their campaign with a unique way for Calgarians to participate; through the sale of electricity. As a Marketing Associate, KidSport will earn a monthly income from homeowners who sign up for electricity with Spot Power.
“Through Spot Power’s network we can continue to educate our community on who KidSport is and the impact we have,” said Webster. “This program offers local residents and businesses another unique option to save money and support a cause they are connected to. We also believe we can help spread the word about our program and open the door to families who maybe don’t know about us yet, so their kids can get involved in sport, when financial barriers may be keeping them on the sidelines.”
Electricity is an item homeowners are already using and spending money on, so why not have a portion of that money be used to help get more local kids off the sidelines, and into the game through KidSport?
“At Spot Power we continually strive to support the communities in which we live and work,” said Nick Clark, co-founder of Spot Power. “Which is why we are happy to be able to provide a way for a great organization like KidSport to earn a consistent stream of funds.”
To switch, save and support KidSport Calgary click here. Sign up today to support the kids using referral code SPOTFREE and receive 1 month of free electricity. Truly a win-win opportunity.
In addition to signing up for electricity services, those looking to get involved, and make a contribution to KidSport can participate by:
- Donating
- Volunteering
- Sponsoring an event
- Donating auction and raffle prizes
- Donate refundable beverage containers