Money raised at a recent fundraiser will help 16 kids to play organized sports this year.
Kidsport New West recently raised more than $3,300 with the money helping to keep local kids off the sidelines and in the game. The organization raises funds to help kids participate in organized sports, when money may normally prevent them from taking part in those activities.
On Oct. 28, The Pantry, London Drugs and Save-On Foods partnered to put on an event where people could learn more about Kidsport, buy a hotdog, enter a raffle and spin the wheel for prizes - with all proceeds going to Kidsport New Westminster. That night, New Westminster resident Tej Kainth teamed up with Status Nightclub to put on an adult Halloween party and donated the proceeds to Kidsport.
"It was a busy day, but well worth it," Kidsport co-chair Jorden Foss said in a press release. "It's great to see so many local businesses supporting kids in their own community."
Kidsport New West is a volunteer organization that raises money to provide grants of up to $200 to families who cannot afford to enroll their children in organized sports. For more information about Kidsport New West or to get application form, visit www.kidsportnewwest.ca.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
A tyke-sized table near the reception desk in New Westminster City Hall is one of the new family friendly business initiatives being undertaken in the city.
KidsNewWest.ca, the United Way of the Lower Mainland and New Westminster's Child Development Public Partners group launched the New West Family Friendly Business program in October. Businesses that sign up for the program must offer at least one example of family-friendly amenities, activities or attitude.
A press release about the initiative states that amenities are items that can improve a child-care provider's experience at a facility (such as a high chair or kids' menu), activities are focused on children (such as a play area or colouring sheets) and a family-friendly attitude refers to how staff members interact with families.
"When people become parents we all know that their lives change," said Marjorie Staal, executive director of New Westminster Family Place and a member of the New Westminster Child Development Public Partners group.
"By working with the local businesses to promote the Family Friendly Business Program, it is a win-win - from the parents who are trying to shop, to the businesses who are depending on their customers returning, to the children learning about their community. Having the merchants reaching out to families is wonderful."
Businesses that sign up for the free program receive a window badge that they can display for their customers, and will be listed in the online directory.
To see who's signed on as a Family Friendly Business and what they're offering, visit www.kidsnewwest.biz.
KidsNewWest.ca is a free online resource that provides information about various events taking place in New Westminster that may be of interest to families, service providers and others.
TRIBUTE TO KEN SHAW
The New Westminster Police Department has christened a police vessel in honour of the late Ken Shaw.
The police department has renamed its police vessel from Mike-1 to Shaw-1, in honour of the late Sgt. Ken Shaw who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2008. The Oct. 12 ceremony, attended by Shaw's family and members of the police department, took place at Westminster Quay where the vessel is moored.
"Sgt. Shaw was integral in the department's initiation of the marine unit," said Chief Const. Dave Jones in a press release.
"It's fitting that our boat should carry his name and honour his memory."
