In From The Cold

This holiday season give a gift that will have lasting impact. At the Club, we remove barriers because… Opportunity Changes Everything!

A fundamental need for children and youth is a reliable, supportive place to go after the bell rings at the end of the school day.  BGC Kawarthas’ After School programs in Lindsay, Dunsford, Little Britain, Mariposa, Kirkfield, Coboconk and Peterborough provide that destination for hundreds of children and youth. They don’t go home to an empty house after school, or wander the streets. They go to the Club.

Recently we had the opportunity to interview dozens of children and youth who attend the Club. They confirmed that the one of the largest impacts is the sense of belonging they feel at the Club where they build long-lasting friendships. They benefit from the leadership skills they learn at BGC Kawarthas, are more physically active, experience increased confidence and feelings of self-worth, and can get help with their homework. They also said that they learn important skills around conflict resolution. 

Children and youth said that Club staff are at the heart of BGC’s impact.  One child said, “I know there is always someone to listen and talk to.”

Parents and community members also indicate that our work is important. A parent of two children recently said, “The BGC Kawarthas’ After School couldn’t be better!  Wow!  Literally:  unbelievable.”  In a survey one person said that “all youth need someone trustworthy and a safe place to turn to”.  

At BGC Kawarthas, we know that we are that “third” place for many kids and youth after home and school. For some, this third place is especially vital. We know that children have always had differential access to resources and experiences outside of school depending on their home environment. Inequalities are further exacerbated by rising prices at the grocery store and the gas pump.

Do you know that BGC Kawarthas serves 97095 Meals and 91232 snacks every year?

At BGC Kawarthas we believe in our slogan: No. More. Barriers. We don’t want any family or any child or youth to face barriers in their need to access our programs and services. It’s the reason why you’ve been so generous in past years with our In From the Cold campaign and why we are reaching out to you once again. This campaign is all about creating the capacity to provide full or partial subsidy to those Club kids and youth who need help.

Whether you’re able to offer a one-time gift or join our monthly donor program, you can be confident that your contributions will help children, youth and families who most need it most in our community.

Together, we can make a difference.