Christmas is coming in July.
The KidSport Parksville Qualicum chapter is holding its first big fundraiser to help get all kids involved in sports. The fundraiser is happening on July 27 at the Parksville Curling Club from 4 p.m. t0 9 p.m. and is sponsored by Scotiabank. The event will feature a turkey dinner, entertainment, silent auction, 50/50 draws and even Santa will be in attendance.
The KidSport concept was launched in 1993 by board and staff at Sport BC as a way to help address the challenges faced by many families when registering their children in organized sport. From a modest start in that first year, issuing $35,000 in grants, KidSport has grown exponentially across the country and has become a national entity with 11 provincial/territorial chapters and more than 180 community based chapters. KidSport BC issued $1.9 million in grants to 7,300 kids in 2017 with around $60,000 going to the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.
The KidSport Parksville Qualicum chapter was formed last fall by organizers who felt it was important to give kids the opportunity to participate in sports.
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“We believe it certainly helps develop the child to learn about working in a team atmosphere, which is very important, and how to deal with success and how to deal with failure as well,” said organizer and board member Bob Cummings. “We feel it builds an all around better future citizen of our community and it seems a shame that some of these kids are held back strictly because of a financial situation.”
Parents who are interested in having their child participate in an organized sport can apply directly through the KidSport website (www.kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/parksville-qualicum/) and ask for assistance, or in many cases, Cummings said, the organization they’re interested in will sign up on their behalf.
Tickets for the fundraiser are $20 (kids under 10 are free) and available at Parksville Scotiabank, Parksville Visitor Centre, Qualicum Beach Visitor Centre, Parksville Curling Club and the Craig Street Market.
“We’re really hoping we get as many people out as possible, we know Beach Fest is on at that time so we hope to generate people coming over. The whole purpose is to generate funds for KidSport Parksville Qualicum,” Cummings said. “Santa’s going to be there so kids can get their Christmas lists in early.”