HAMILTON, ON – Fall means back to school, and also a return to fall programming at CityKidz in Hamilton.
Hamilton Port Authority (HPA) is pleased to announce a $5000 donation to CityKidz in support of their transportation program, providing one full season of transportation to all youth in their CityYouth program.
Transportation is one of the most critical components of CityYouth, a program for youth aged 12-15 that helps them develop their leadership skills and experience the many rewards of volunteering. CityKidz provides ‘Big Red Buses’ that transport youth door-to-door, to and from each session.
“One of the greatest barriers for youth in low-income communities is access to transportation,” said Sharon Clark, HPA Community Relations Manager. “The buses CityKidz provide help overcome this barrier, giving youth who would normally not be able to access programing an opportunity to do so.”
In addition to providing access, the buses also provide security, ensuring youth get to and from their programs safely.
HPA is a long-time supporter of CityKidz, providing a rent-subsidized location on Port property for its offices, children’s programing space and Christmas toy warehouse. In 2013, HPA also made a three-year, $60,000 investment in CityKidz’s Youth Leadership Development program and new Youth Studio.
“We are so grateful for the ongoing partnership between the Hamilton Port Authority and CityKidz,” said Laura Carmichael, Associate Executive Director at CityKidz. “The investment that the HPA continues to make is one that is far greater than financial resources-it is being made into the lives of our children and youth, creating opportunities for them to increase in resiliency, grow in leadership, and develop into thriving individuals. We could not impact the lives of Hamilton’s children and youth without the support of the Hamilton Port Authority.”
As part of preparation for fall programs, HPA staff are volunteering today (September 6th), at CityKidz, cleaning, stocking and getting ready to welcome children back.
About CityKidz
CityKidz began in Hamilton but has since expanded to both Ottawa and Regina. Their mission is to increase resiliency and inspire BIG dreams for Canadian children living in low-income communities by providing inspirational experiences and nurturing personal relationships, one child at a time. They achieve this through their multiple programs which all focus on helping every child achieve their full potential. https://citykidz.ca/
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