Champions Holds 2011 Kick-Off Breakfast to
Promote Payroll Deduction Initiative
(Pictured above: The Matilda Recreation Committee officially donated $3,460 to
Champions for Kids Tuesday during the charity's 2011 campaign kick-off breakfast.)
(Kemptville) – The Upper Canada District School Board’s Champions for Kids Foundation told more than 200 educators Tuesday how they could improve the life of a child.
At its 2011 Kick-Off Breakfast, held at the W.B. George Centre in Kemptville, Foundation officials informed teachers and principals how they could donate to the charity through payroll deduction, as well as a legacy program for larger donors.
The breakfast celebrated the Foundation’s fundraising success – $500,000 raised since the charity was established in January 2008 – as well as the personal successes enjoyed by students because of assistance from Champions. The arms-length foundation was established to raise money to ensure children from disadvantaged families could enjoy sports and arts activities, and to help families cover associated costs to provide their children with medical care.
Champions Director of Corporate Relations Sandy McInnes told the crowd the work of the Foundation was critical to the success of many UCDSB students because it helps make childhood more enjoyable.
“And we know that having them happy in life removes barriers to their learning and paves the way for their success at school,” said McInnes.
“Through our important work we are building strong communities. Our corporate partners realize how important this is because these students are the people who will manage and contribute to our communities in years to come.”
During the breakfast, McInnes introduced the Foundation’s Change for Champions Campaign. The campaign will encourage every UCDSB employee to donate at least $2 per pay to the Foundation. If every worker donates just a twoonie each pay day, it would generate $160,000 annually to help Champions complete its important work.
He also discussed the Friends of Champions for Kids Legacy of Giving campaign, encouraging corporate donations of between $500 to more than $10,000.
During the meeting, Champions First Vice-President Bill Loshaw also recognized the Matilda Recreation Committee. The committee donated $3,460 to sponsor the Champions annual golf tournament in Perth on July 6.
One of the most touching parts of the morning was when UCDSB principals shared stories about how Champions has helped enhance the learning of children at their schools.
Montague Public School Principal Dave Morrison spoke of a child at his school who was experiencing difficulties in the classroom, and who was regularly sent to the principal’s office due to discipline issues that were interrupting his learning.
Coming from a poor family, his mother had tried numerous times to get the youth involved in minor hockey, but was unable to afford it. Champions put him on the ice.
“To see how this kid’s trajectory has changed is just amazing,” said Morrison with a smile. “He walked through the door one day dragging his school bag and came up and gave me a great big hug.
“I haven’t seen him in my office for six weeks.”
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For more information, please call:
David K. Thomas
President
Upper Canada District School Board
Champions for Kids Foundation
613-342-0371 ext. 1234