Who We Are

The Upper Canada District School Board’s Champions for Kids Foundation is a charity formed in January 2008 to help level the playing field for children of struggling families. It gives them a helping hand to meet their children’s medical needs and allow their kids to participate in sporting events, the arts, and other fun activities outside of school hours.

Why We Are Needed

While we may not see it, the face of poverty is all around us.

We may not hear a young child’s hunger pangs, know that he’s worn the same pair of jeans three times this week, or that his family can’t afford the medicine he needs, but poverty takes a heavy toll on the lives of many children in our communities.

Statistics suggest 16-18 per cent of children in Eastern Ontario are living without the basic necessities for a decent life.  Many families are struggling to provide their children with nutritious meals, to heat their homes, or provide clothing for their children.  There isn’t enough money left at the end of the month to provide the extras in life that make childhood more enjoyable.  Playing defence on the Midget A hockey team is a pipe dream.  Dance lessons are beyond their family’s reach and many kids can only look on from the sidelines as others enjoy the weekly soccer game.

The Upper Canada District School Board’s Champions for Kids Foundation helps these kids enjoy the dance and get back in the game.

How We Work

Children are referred to our foundation through the principals serving our 89 schools throughout the jurisdiction of the Upper Canada District School Board.  The foundation has designated our principals as its key referral agents because they are keenly aware of the many personal challenges faced by our students.  The principals’ referrals are directed to a foundation disbursements committee that evaluates requests and decides the level of support the foundation will provide. 

Our Success So Far

Champions for Kids has raised more than $360,000 since its birth in January 2008.  The money has helped hundreds of kids attend summer camp, funded participation in minor hockey and minor soccer, paid for dance lessons and helped families meet their children’s medical needs such as paying for eyeglasses, dental care, cancer treatments and EpiPens.

How You Can Help

Children can be referred for help by contacting the principal of the closest board school in your area.  A list of schools, principals’ names and phone numbers can be found on the UCDSB Corporate Web site.  Applicants are encouraged to speak with the principal by phoning the school.  They can then complete an electronic application form provided at the following link Funding Application.pdf and e-mail it to their principal. The principal can then complete the application form and submit it for final approval.  

To donate to the foundation, please contact members of the Champions Executive. The foundation has charitable status, and can provide tax receipts for donations of $20 or more.