Join The Match This Giving Tuesday!
Giving Tuesday is the Global day of giving made popular over a decade ago, to balance the traditional online holiday shopping days of Black Friday & Cyber Monday. The day presents an opportunity for people to do some good by donating to a cause that is important to them.
This giving season, you can help more children find their voice and their purpose, and reach their full potential by donating to support the ongoing delivery of Canada SCORES after school programs in underserved communities. By giving today, you will be doubling your impact for young Poet-Athletes. Together, we can nurture the next generation of leaders and changemakers — one verse, one idea, one child and one goal at a time.
Some Issues Facing Children & Youth in Canadian Schools Include:
* About 25% of Grade 3 and 20% of Grade 6 students did not meet provincial (ON) reading standards in the most recent EQAO testing cycle.
* Over half of students from low SES (Socioeconomic Status) backgrounds are not reading at a basic level by the end of Grade 4.
* Only 66% of boys and 37% of girls aged 5-11 met the physical activity recommendations, according to 2022-2024 data.
Some Benefits of the Canada SCORES Program Include:
* Improved social skills: Studies indicate youth in these programs have higher social and emotional competencies, including responsibility, social awareness, and self-management.
* Better relationships: Participants report having stronger relationships with adult role models compared to their peers not in these programs.
* Sense of belonging: Programs are described by youth as a “home away from home” where they feel welcome, cared for.
* Physical activity: Programs focus on providing at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
* Nutrition: Programs provide healthy snacks which contributes to overall well-being.
* Socioeconomic disparities: Programs address inequities in access to extracurricular activities, as schools are less likely to offer specialized clubs and academic programs in lower-income areas.
* Cost: The cost of after-school activities can be substantial for families, with parents reporting paying thousands of dollars annually for high-cost programs. BUT Canada SCORES programs are FREE!
Thank you to our generous Matching Fund Donors for making the campaign possible. The Bilbeys, Jason Bosa & Palladio Jewellers, Expedia Group, Daniel Gumprich & Barbara Bilsland, Jon Lutz, Bonnie Mah, John Mast, Sean Murch, Peterson Family Foundation, Rochelle Salazar and Telus!
