The Voice of Canada News| December 13, 2019
| Province invests in Boys and Girls Club after-school program OTTAWA — Ontario’s government is helping keep kids healthy and active in the nation’s capital by providing $260,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, was joined by Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari and Ottawa West—Nepean MPP Jeremy Roberts at the Tomlinson Family Foundation Clubhouse to announce that Ontario is providing funding to the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa to expand their after-school program for school-aged children and youth. “Participating in high-quality activities helps kids improve their grades and boosts their self-esteem,” said Minister MacLeod. “Ontario is pleased to support the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa to provide no-cost, fun, supervised, and engaging activities to kids living in high-need neighbourhoods during the most vulnerable hours of the day.” “This investment provides thousands of at-risk children and youth with a safe and supportive place to go during the most vulnerable hours of the day,” said Stephen Beckta, Board Chair of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa. “It also provides free purposeful after-school programs that enable young people to follow their dreams and reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible young adults.”With this investment, the Boys and Girls Club will be able to expand their physical activity and life skill development programs, including leadership and social skills, aquatics, cooking clubs and creative arts. “This will make a significant difference for the children and youth who participate in our after-school programs,” said Colleen Mooney, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa. “Our programs provide young people with the opportunity to explore their interests, develop their strengths, and realize positive outcomes in physical activity, healthy eating, health and wellness and much more. These programs are critical because they keep kids healthy and active, and mitigate the risk of unhealthy behaviours.”This is great news for children and youth across the national capital region. Child and youth after-school programs offer a healthy and positive way for them to discover and achieve their dreams and grow up to be healthy, successful, and active participants in society,” said MPP Ghamari.”It is great to see this kind of investment in an organization that does so much for our community,” said MPP Roberts. “From seeing their work in my riding, I know how much of a positive impact these programs can have for families.” |
