The funding of a new program by the Recreation and Wellness Division of the Town of Stephenville is hoped to make it able for every child to get involved in all kinds of programs.
The Stephenville town council approved $5,000 towards the program at their latest regular general meeting with Coun. Mark Felix, finance chair, saying that council recognizes recreation is very important in the fight against obesity and working toward mental wellness.
Maria Churchill, recreation and wellness coordinator, said the new program is for residents of Stephenville up to the age of 18 to participate in recreation and wellness programs.
“While it encompasses sport, it also involves leisure, the arts, indigenous activities and any kind of program that boosts self-esteem, healthy living and personal growth,” she said.
Churchill said the financing of the program will help these activities become accessible for any child, including those in families having financial challenges.
She said they will have seasonal deadlines for applying to this program, which involves filling out a simple one-page form.
Churchill said a family member can fill out the form or she can help them fill it out. The winter and spring deadline for the activities is on Jan. 1; the summer program deadline is on May 1; and the fall deadline is Sept. 1.
She said a need for assistance for some children was identified during a fall session of the Recreation and Wellness Division that was recently held.
Churchill said she believes the money will be well spent and she is hoping they get an array of families assisted through this Kids Can program.
She said in coming up with the program name, she wanted something open to interpretation – short syllables and not only associated with sport as “kids can” participate in anything.
Churchill said anyone with questions can email her at maria.churchill@stephenville.ca or call 643-8360 and ask for Maria.
