How We Help

We get kids in the game by covering the costs of equipment, registration and/or transportation. We also lend support to unique initiatives aimed at increasing access to sport and recreation programs.

Kids learn to swim through a unique program supported by Canadian Tire Jumpstart.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart lent support to help new Canadian children in the St. James Town neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. This community comprises more than 60 ethnic groups, immigrants and new Canadians. They had a unique challenge: the majority of their children were unable to swim. There were facilities (pools), but no programs.

Working in partnership with a number of groups, including St. James Town Community Matters, Canadian Tire Jumpstart helped develop a long-term solution. We secured local experts from the Toronto Swim Club to lead the swimming programs and to mentor leaders at the community organization. Speedo Canada generously donated goggles, caps and suits, which elevated the group's self-esteem and developed a sense of team.

The results were incredible. A group of previously underserviced and at-risk children had the opportunity to learn basic swimming and critical water safety skills. In the process, they gained self-confidence and increased self-esteem. The program was later expanded to youth to help them earn lifeguard certification, become leaders and contribute to building a swimming culture within their community.

Help another child learn to swim today.

Testimonials

Mother:
Thank you for generously supporting our family. Through the gift of swimming lessons our children have been making gains in their swimming skills. I am extremely ecstatic when I see one of our sons (with Cerebral Palsy) – who once stuck to me like glue in the water – now attempting to swim independently with the help of a PFD. His excitement brings joy to our hearts as we watch his new found confidence building while he develops new break dancing moves in the pool aka swimming. Thank you again.

High School Coach:
Jumpstart is really making a positive difference. We have both a junior and senior football team (grade 8 to 12) and our students are beneficiaries of the Jumpstart program. I wish you could see the difference it has made! The pride and self confidence has returned to their lives and grown up along with them. These young men choose to wear a shirt and tie with their team jersey because, combined with the team colours, they know they are expected to show their best deportment, maturity, and ethical behaviour. For some of them, it is the first time they have had a reason to learn to tie a dress tie. Thank you for helping make a better world of hope for these young men and our community.

Child:
I am 11 years old and have autism. I take a lot of medication which makes me gain a lot of weight. Because of my weight I can’t play with the other kids. Jumpstart donated a beautiful stationary bike. My mom and my social worker made a (special) board for me with the map of Les Iles-de-la-Madeleine which I put in front of my bike. Everyday my mom asks me where I would like to go today – sometimes I go to the ice cream parlour, sometimes I go to the beach or to the park – then I jump on my bike and I pedal to my destination. So far I lost 10 pounds, I love riding my bike and I know one day I will be able to play outside with my friends or to go to the park on my own on a real bike. Thank you Jumpstart.

Volunteer Coach:
Last night I dropped off one of my players at home and his mother greeted me at the door. She extended her appreciation for everything that our team has done for her son and thanked us for “adopting” him. They have been in Canada for less than a year and it’s been a very difficult year for them as they struggle to make their new life here. She also thanked the Jumpstart program for your support – she feels less of a burden to the rest of the parents by being able to help out by little means she can. As a volunteer coach, I do it for the kids and that’s the most important.

Community Partner:
Jumpstart has really made a difference in a variety of kids lives. I run a hockey program out of an elementary school and it has blessed the 20 kids that participate in this program. The kids range from elementary aged kids to kids in foster care. They have all received brand new sticks and goalie equipment to use. They have a lot of fun in the program and seem to really enjoy themselves. When the hockey gets cancelled for holidays or other reasons, the kids really miss it and talk about when the next hockey is. I have even used one of the youth's recently in the 2011 Jumpstart Day and his parents said how much they appreciated the program. Thank you Jumpstart for helping make a difference for the kids in Mission

Single Parent:
I live in a small, lovely, helpful community and have for the past 10 years. Recently my husband and I separated and the dealings between us have been contentious at best. I had decided to return to school and work part-time to get myself re-trained. My two daughters were very supportive and we lived somewhat frugally to make this happen until I complete my studies. My ex-husband was paying child support but suddenly, he decided he wasn't going to pay it anymore. This left me in quite a lurch. My eldest son plays rep basketball and the youngest plays hockey and was looking forward to a trip to the US for a tournament. We were planning this for some time and when the funds were cut off we were thinking he couldn't go. It was extremely disappointing and trying to figure out how to pay all the regular bills was difficult enough, without thinking that hockey was going to have to be cut. However, thanks to Jumpstart, we made it and he was able to go! It was an experience of a lifetime for him to be there and train with all sorts of other hockey players from all over. Jumpstart and his school have been so supportive I can't thank all of you enough. I was one of those people that would see ads for Jumpstart and was not quite sure how it helped people, now I know, firsthand. Thank you very much.

Single Parent:
I just wanted to say thank you for making it possible for my daughter to go into soccer. Being a single mom is very hard these days and thanks to you guys she doesn't get to miss out on another sport. It honestly means the world to us. Thank you very much.

How to Apply

Applications for assistance can be submitted from January 15 to June 1 for spring/summer programs, and from July 1 to November 1 for fall/winter programs.

• Call 1-877-616-6600. Based on your postal code, a Call Centre representative will provide a contact on the closest Canadian Tire Jumpstart Chapter.
• When calling your local Canadian Tire Jumpstart Chapter representative, be prepared to provide your contact information and the details of the sport or recreational activity your child would like to participate in. You may also be asked to provide financial information in order to prove eligibility for funding.
• Applicants will be notified by the local Canadian Tire Jumpstart Chapter representative if they are approved or if further information is required.
• All information received is kept confidential.

The total funding that each qualified child can receive in any one submission period (e.g., spring/summer for baseball, fall/winter for hockey) will vary based on Chapter budgets and demand. Grants are provided directly to the non-profit or charitable organization coordinating the sport or recreational activity on behalf of the qualifying child. Since each child's financial needs are unique, Canadian Tire Jumpstart's contribution can be made for equipment, registration or transportation costs.

All approvals are the sole discretion of the local Canadian Tire Jumpstart chapter and designated Canadian Tire Jumpstart personnel.