YORKTON - KidSport Yorkton has a business-focused fundraiser going on in the city as the organization participates in the national ‘Give the Gift of Sport campaign.
Doug Jonassen, chairperson of the local organization explained, “KidSport here in Yorkton has sort of just got going again this year.”
As a result, the Gift of Sport initiative is new locally, he said.
Entering its 11th season, Give the Gift of Sport is an annual fundraising campaign to raise money to help all kids participate in organized sport. Each year, KidSport runs this national campaign from November to January to help get more kids off the sidelines and into the game the following year.
Jonassen said board member Elyce Wilson came up with the idea of businesses challenging each other as a fundraising event, and it has caught on. He said calling for donations is not always easy, but when one business challenges another directly it has a ripple effect based on people who want to support KidSport.
“Now we are getting calls,” he said.
Building on the effort Kristen Zubko came up with the idea of using a ball and be videotaped ‘passing’ the challenge from one business to another.
It sort of reflects the idea of “getting the ball rolling,” said Jonassen.
While no specific goal has been set, Jonassen said they have already raised $2,200.
When the Give the Gift of Sport first launched back in 2012, nearly $9,000 was raised.
Since then, nationally the campaign has raised more than $1.85 million.
KidSport Canada notes “currently, one-in three kids aren’t able to play sports due to financial barriers. Through our fundraising efforts, more and more children are able to sign up and join their peers. Every dollar donated brings us one step closer to reducing the financial gap.”
Jonassen said locally $30,000 was distributed last year to help fund youth registration fees for various sports.
Anyone wanting to become involved in the local fundraising effort can call Jonassen at 306-621-8576.
