Menu Menu

It can be easy to take fitness opportunities for granted. However, barriers persist that make access a challenge for many people. Fortunately, there are wonderful organizations in Hamilton working to make sure everybody has a chance to take part in healthy active lifestyles. Here are just a few programs we are proud to support that get kids active and having fun.

  • Start to Finish – Running and Reading Club

Kids in this program get a healthy dose of both exercise and literacy. In the Running and Reading Club, circuit training, running-based games and relay activities are followed by nutritious snacks, “word of the day” and reading with the coaches. It all culminates in a Reading and Running Challenge that includes a 5k run and a Jeopardy-style literacy game.

  • Liberty for Youth – Prodigal Sonz

Basketball, mentorship and leadership skills come together in this program at Liberty for Youth. Every practice starts with discussion led by a mentor who shares stories about dealing with challenges. Youth in the program also get the opportunity to deliver talks on a variety of issues like mental health, drugs and negative peer pressure and they learn skills relating to leadership, health, relationships, self-esteem and public speaking. In the summer, youth participate in the annual Liberty and Justice Unity Basketball Event in partnership with Hamilton Police Department.

  • Living Rock Ministries – Rock-in-Action

From ball hockey games and weekly fitness workouts to dodge ball and access to the gym at the YMCA, the Rock-in-Action program offers activities for at-risk youth while promoting social inclusion. Beyond the “basics”, the program helps decrease social isolation and allows youth to experience community in a meaningful way.

  • SWAM – Swimming with a mission

Teaching children water safety is crucial for preventing injuries. According to SWAM Canada, “disabled children are ten times likelier to suffer from a submersion injury than the general population”. The SWAM program gives preference to low-income families and uses student volunteers from McMaster University to give one-on-one swimming and water safety lessons to children with special needs.

  • Jump in Foundation – Physical Activation Program

This program is another great example of breaking down financial barriers for families seeking opportunities to keep their kids active. Through activities that are tailored to facilitate mental and physical well-being, youth suffering from mental health issues are given opportunities to reap the “emotional, physical and mental rewards” of a healthy lifestyle. Youth are even invited to bring a family member along for the fun!

Future Intended is an ongoing series that spotlights some of our most recent granting in categories like music, visual art, literacy, the environment and more.