A nationwide non-profit organization that helps underprivileged kids compete in sporting programs is ready for a second attempt to set up shop in St. Albert.
After failing to garner enough of a volunteer base last year, KidSport has put out the call to local residents to attend another community information night set for Monday, Feb. 28.
"It's one of those things that sometimes takes a little bit longer to start up a chapter," explained Stephen Slawuta, northern regional manager for the provincial district office.
There was a lot of hope and good intention put on the same preliminary meeting last year, but the momentum just wasn't there, he said.
"Unfortunately, we just couldn't get the right — or enough — people together at the time."
KidSport offers help to families to offset the costs of sports programs. People can apply for grants of $100 to $500 to help with the cost of registration fees. Some chapters also assist with equipment costs, youth leadership opportunities, sport camps and travel.
Active in this province since 1995, KidSport has grown to establish 35 volunteer chapters. In that time it has assisted more than 36,000 youth.
Largest city without chapter
According to Slawuta, St. Albert is the largest city that still doesn't have a chapter of its own.
"I think sometimes people, especially in a community like St. Albert, they don't realize that there are kids out there and families that maybe aren't quite as prosperous as some others."
Last year, the provincial KidSport provided grants to 61 local families, up from 59 the previous year. Slawuta said St. Albert ranks at about fifth or sixth place in the province in terms of demand for assistance.
At this stage, supporters are only being asked to attend regular committee meetings with an otherwise small time commitment of a few hours a month.
"I think we're fortunate with St. Albert that I don't think fund development is going to be a huge issue. We've been pretty successful in getting the word out about raising money. It's just a matter of finding people that are willing to volunteer. We're confident we can do that for sure."
Still on board is Kathleen Range, the local resident who tried to get the ball rolling last year.
"We're definitely confident that if we stick with it we'll eventually get a good group together here," she said.
The community information meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 28 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sobeys Active Living Room on the second floor of Servus Place.
To contact Slawuta beforehand, please call him at 780-644-1042. To find out more about the organization and how else you can provide support to it, check out www.kidsport.ab.ca.
