(Cornwall) - The Champions for Kids Foundation received a major boost Friday morning when the Upper Canada Leger Centre for Education and Training (UCLCET) donated $10,000 to help kids play sports, enjoy the arts and seek medical care.
Executive Director Tim Mills presented a cheque to Champions President David Thomas during the third in a series of Champions fundraising breakfasts held at Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School (CCVS). The money was raised through UCLCET's international education program and projects with NAV Canada.
"It's heartwarming when we see what can be accomplished by Champions to connect kids to their dreams through sports and arts activities," said Mills following the presentation. "When you connect children with fun activities, it makes their childhood better. It increases their happiness and that in turn helps them strive to be better at school and in life."
Thomas thanked the UCLCET for the donation, saying it was a proud moment for the Foundation and that the money will be used to "positively impact the trajectory of children's lives."
The breakfast featured stories of how Champions has already made children's lives better.
Viscount Alexander Principal Daryl Beck told 60 breakfast guests the story of a young man whose family was struggling after a separation. The family was having trouble paying their bills and the mother phoned the school to explain why her son did not have a lunch. The mother was concerned with her son's well-being and self-confidence and Beck began to work with the family to find a solution through Champions. While the boy was not into sports, Beck says he enjoys dancing and the school was able to enrol him in hip-hop dancing lessons, connecting him to something he can be passionate about.
"I'm really proud of the work that this Foundation does," said Beck.
CCVS Vice Principal Jason Wagensveld spoke of how Champions helped students at his school play Wildcats Football.
Champions is hosting the fourth fundraising breakfast on Tuesday morning at Perth and District Collegiate Institute. The breakfast starts at 8 a.m.