KidSport Sees Unparalleled Increase in Applications During Economic Downturn

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - April 20, 2016) - KidSport announced that it has seen a dramatic increase in the number of parents applying for assistance to help their children participate in organized sports this year as a result of the recent economic downturn.

Across Alberta, more families are turning to not-for-profit organizations for financial support and KidSport is no exception. By the end of March 2016, the KidSport Edmonton chapter has reviewed almost 900 applications, an increase of 53% over the same time frame in 2015.

"This growth in demand for our services has been unlike anything we've seen in previous years, and is directly related to the difficult economic times Albertans are currently experiencing," said Robert Signoretti, KidSport Alberta Chair. "Our goal at KidSport is to help children in the community experience the positive benefits that sports can provide, and with the increased financial strains being put on families across the province, we will continue to work towards this goal, but are looking to the community for support."

In light of this demand, Shaw Communications Inc. has announced plans to donate $25,000 to KidSport Edmonton, giving 125 children from low-income families the opportunity to play organized sports this year. This donation follows a $55,000 donation Shaw made to KidSport Calgary this year through the Shaw Charity Classic, and more than $250,000 donated to KidSport chapters across Canada in the past two years.

"The support KidSport provides our communities in giving families and children access to organized sports is so invaluable, and is made that much more important given the current economic climate,"

Chris Kucharski, President, Consumer, Shaw Communications. "Shaw has been a long-time supporter of KidSport, and we're proud to step up again to give children and youth in Edmonton the opportunity to get active and play sports."

"We are grateful for Shaw's continued support of KidSport," said Steven Allan, KidSport Edmonton Chair. "This donation will directly help KidSport Edmonton keep pace with the dramatic increase in applications we've been faced with this year and help kids get off the sidelines and into the game."

Participation in organized sports has been shown to help children develop their leadership and teambuilding skills, while increasing personal growth, resiliency and self-esteem. With the downturn in the economy, many KidSport sponsors have not been able to support in the same way as they have in previous years, meaning that fewer children will be able to benefit from being involved in sports.

Here are just a few ways you can help children in your community have a prosperous future:

• Talk about KidSport with your network, employees, co-workers
• Introduce our team to a charity event we could partner with
• Donate online at http://www.kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/donation/
• Attend, volunteer, sponsor or donate a silent auction item to an event in support of KidSport

KidSport and our families extend sincerest thanks to Shaw Communications for helping make it So ALL Kids Can Play!