KidSport BC launched its first-ever online 50/50 raffle in hopes of raising much-needed funds to help more kids across the province experience the joy of a season of sport.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support KidSport BC’s Provincial Fund, which provides grants (up to $400) to kids from communities across BC that don’t have a KidSport chapter to help cover the cost of their sports registration fee.

Recognizing that the pandemic has amplified the economic, social, and health challenges that exist in British Columbia, the organization is anticipating an increased need for KidSport grants in the coming year as sports continue to return in a greater capacity, and they want to be ready to meet this demand.

“The past couple of years have been difficult for fundraising. Many of the sectors we’ve relied on for support in the past have experienced their own challenges through the pandemic and are focusing on their own recovery, and not being able to host events has meant that our fundraising revenues have been down,” said Angela Crowther, KidSport BC’s Fundraising Manager.

“We’ve been fortunate to receive support from the Province of BC to ensure we could continue granting through this difficult time, but now we need to ramp up our fundraising activities to ensure we can meet the anticipated increase in demand for grants.”

In 2021, KidSport BC’s Provincial Fund granted a total of $224,078 to help 639 kids participate in organized sports with one of Sport BC’s affiliated member clubs in communities like Fort Nelson, Chilliwack, Port Hardy, Creston, Kaslo, Campbell River, Hazelton, and more.

“Sport BC believes in the transformative power of sport, and we’re excited about its return for our members and for kids across the province, but we also know there are many families who will struggle financially as a result of the pandemic,” says Sport BC’s President & CEO, Rob Newman. “Cost shouldn’t be a barrier that prevents kids from experiencing the positive benefits of [sports] participation and, thanks to KidSport, it doesn’t have to be. Sport BC is proud to have established the KidSport program and we’re committed to ensuring funding is available for all kids who need support.”

Tickets for the draw are 3 for $10, 20 for $20, and 100 for $50 and are on sale until March 18, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. The final draw is scheduled for March 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. when the lucky winner will be awarded half the total jackpot.

Tickets can be purchased online at kidsportbc.rafflenexus.com.

About KidSport
The KidSport program aims to remove financial barriers to sport participation by providing grants to help cover the cost of registration fees. This program is intended to help increase participation numbers for Sport BC members and their local clubs by helping under0resources children and youth access a season for sport. KidSport is a Registered Canadian Amateur Athletics Association “RCAAA”) with charitable status and can issue tax receipts to donors. Learn more at kidsport.ca or follow us @KidSportBC.

About Sport BC
Sport BC believes in the power of sport and is committed to building stronger communities through positive sport experiences. Our goal is to enhance and support sport participation in British Columbia ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Sport BC supports our 72 member organizations through our signature programs KidSport BC, BC Amateur Sport Fund, and ProMOTION Plus, and through our services Sport BC Insurance, and Payroll and Group Benefits. Learn more at sportbc.com or follow us @SportBC.