The benefit of physical activity to children is undeniable. From improved health and wellbeing to increased focus in school, sport has the power to change lives. Yet one in three Canadian families can’t afford to enroll their children in organized sport. The importance of sport goes beyond the obvious physical gains. Organized sport helps Canadian youth become more independent while developing key life skills such as leadership, discipline, and confidence.

Giving every Canadian child the opportunity to participate in sport is important to the development of our future generation. That’s why Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and its 1,900 Community Partners across Canada are helping to close this gap. This year Jumpstart celebrates its 10th anniversary of providing kids from financially disadvantaged families the opportunity to get involved in an organized sport or physical activity of their choice by covering costs associated with registration, equipment and transportation.

The charity continues to grow – last year Jumpstart gave 190,000 kids the opportunity to play and this fall, will reach its one millionth child helped. That’s one million kids spanning virtually every community across Canada who have been given the chance to develop the confidence, discipline, leadership and teamwork skills that come with participation in organized sport, and Jumpstart intends to keep the momentum going.

“Providing one million kids with access to over 76 different sports over 10 years is an incredible milestone for Jumpstart and we do it because we believe sport means something to a child’s development,” says Landon French, Executive Director, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “We believe that every kid deserves an equal opportunity to play, learn and grow, and we’re looking forward to helping a million more kids in the years to come.”

Skating is one of the 76 sports that Jumpstart supports. Working with Skate Canada and it 1,200 plus clubs across the country Jumpstart is able to give children the opportunity to embrace the joy of skating. Skate Canada is committed to working with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to bring skating to all Canadian children.

This June, you can help kids in your community get in the game by supporting Jumpstart’s Red Ball campaign at any Canadian Tire store. A $2 donation in exchange for your own Jumpstart Red Ball, will give the gift of play to a deserving kid. One hundred per cent of customer donations help children in the local community. If you know a kid who wants to play but is unable to because of costs, call 1-844-YES-PLAY or visit jumpstart.canadiantire.ca.