Can you recall childhood experiences that helped shape the person you are today? Maybe it’s memories of camaraderie and discipline during your years in soccer, hockey, or lacrosse leagues. Possibly your scouting or day camp experiences have led to your love of the outdoors. Did your enjoyment of music lessons influence your support for arts initiatives in Guelph? You may hold warm memories of family gift opening each Christmas and heading off to school each day with a full tummy.
Many children in our community are not able to have these experiences. These opportunities might not be within the financial reach of their families. And that’s where the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington can help. We provide financial assistance so kids can experience parts of childhood that many of us take for granted.
How do we help kids?
The Adopt a Family program partners families in need with donors who provide gifts and food vouchers at Christmas. This past December, 659 families including 1,524 children, were helped. An estimated 2,000 assorted donors, including individuals and work groups, service clubs and churches, helped make the season merry for many children.
The Children’s Foundation grants program provides funds to individual children for recreational enrichment. In 2011, 731 grants were given to children so they could participate in camp or sports and arts programs. The program works with several partners, including Jumpstart, City of Guelph, County of Wellington, Guelph Soccer, Guelph Saultos and Guelph minor hockey, to help make these experiences possible.
Food and Friends supports over 80 nutrition programs for students in Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin counties. We believe that every child has the right to go to school well nourished and ready to learn. In the 2011/2012 school year, on site programs will provide meals or snacks to over 12,000 students.
The Future Fund Scholarships are awarded to one student at each of the 12 secondary schools in Guelph and Wellington County. Selection criteria focuses on students’ life achievements and goals in the face of difficult life situations, not on their academic standings. The scholarship takes into account the background of the children and the needs they have to be able to move on to post-secondary education.
The Promoli Family Scholarships assist youth in the care of Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington. Recipients are identified as showing great future goals and aspirations in the face of difficult circumstances. The scholarship can be used for university, college, technical or professional education or training. In 2011, four youth each received a $1,000 scholarship.
How can you help?
The success of the Children’s Foundation is due to the continued generosity of residents and businesses in Guelph and Wellington County. Consider a direct donation or corporate support. Or participate in Live Free day on March 2. Support the Food and Friends programs by giving up something you value that day in return for a donation. Consider volunteering with one of the many programs. It’s fun and very worthwhile.
Together, we will help kids have experiences that will brighten their futures. For more information, go to www.childrensfoundation.org or call 519 826-9551.
Jan Craig is a Children’s Foundation
of Guelph and Wellington  member of the board