THUNDER BAY – Ontario is helping kids of Thunder Bay get active, develop healthy eating habits, gain confidence and achieve more in school through new after school funding.
Ontario’s After School Program funding will help service providers to deliver programs at over 400 locations in priority neighbourhoods across the province. These programs will give more than 21,000 children and youth the opportunity to participate in sport and recreation activities and learn about healthy habits.
Program activities may include sports, arts and crafts, personal health and wellness education, and nutrition instruction, and are delivered by non-profit organizations in a variety of settings such as schools, community centres and First Nation communities.
Providing more opportunities for kids to stay healthy and succeed supports the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
“It’s important that we provide programs to children and youth of Ontario to help them get active, develop confidence and achieve more at school. I am proud of our government’s commitment to support these seven community organizations and municipalities with After School Program funding,” commented Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay – Atikokan
“I am pleased to support the After School Programs in our community which encourage participation in fun and safe activities that promote positive lifestyle choices, self-esteem and contribute to student achievement,” said Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay – Superior North.
Hundreds of children and youth from Thunder Bay and region will have access to Ontario’s After School Program. Successful organizations for Ontario’s After School Program this year are:
| ORGANIZATION | ATTENDANCE |
| Atikokan Youth Initiative Incorporated | 50 |
| Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay | 110 |
| Corporation of the Town of Atikokan | 30 |
| Harbour Youth Services | 30 |
| Multicultural Association of Northwestern Ontario | 70 |
| Shkoday Abinojiiwak Obimiwedoon | 260 |
| Thunder Bay Boys & Girls Club | 120 |
| TOTAL (registrations to date) | 670 |
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario is investing $13.5 million in the After School Program this year.
- In 2014-15, over 130 organizations will be funded by the Ontario government through the After School Program.
- Providing more opportunities for kids to get involved in programs that promote active, healthy living also supports the recommendations of the Healthy Kids Panel Report.
