Jump Start for kids this weekend

Do you remember the first time you laced up the skates, turned your first pirouette, or scored your first goal? We bet you do!

We often learn the value of teamwork, make lifelong friends and realize the benefits of physical activity through participating in sport and recreation. Wouldn't it be great if every kid could feel that same excitement? Jump Start wants you to help give kids a sporting chance.

Research has indicated that 1 in 3 Canadian families cannot afford to place their children in sport and recreation activities because of financial barriers.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart helps kids in financial need across Canada participate in organized sport and recreational activities of their choice. Canadian Tire Jumpstart has helped over 151 000 kids play.

In 2008 it helped pay for swimming, hockey, gymnastics, dancing, curling, cheerleading, baseball and skting programs for 58 local kids.

National in scope but local in focus, the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program is delivered through 279 community chapters across Canada. Chapters are made up of Canadian Tire Dealers and community partners who identify children who could benefit from the program.

In Cobourg, the chapter works very closely with organizations such as The Salvation Army and others to ensure Canadian Tire Jumpstart funding gets right to children who need it most.

During the weekend of May 30 and 31, Canadian Tire will donate $1 on behalf of all customers that shop the store so that over 20 000 kids in financial need will be given the opportunity to play!

Also on the May 30, your local Canadian Tire store will be hosting a Sports Spectacular in the parking lot to generate increased awareness of the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program. The event will take place between 9:00 and 3:00 on Saturday, starting with breakfast.

Wheatabix has generously donated cereal for 300+ kids and Metro has partnered with us to provide milk and other treats. Breakfast will be followed by games and chances for kids and their families to win prizes from energizer and other generously donated items.