Pipestone Flyer
On October 3rd, 2013 RBC announced they would be making a five-year, $100-million commitment to improve the well-being of one million children and youth. That’s over-and-above the more than $30 million RBC has provided to more than 265 after-school programs in Canada, helping almost 35,000 children since 1999.
Local RBC Branch Manager, William Taylor made sure Wetaskiwin benefited from the grants program when he recently visited the Boys and Girls Club and presented a cheque for $10,000. This is the 8th consecutive year that the RBC Foundation After School Grant has supported the Boys and Girls Clubs, After School Program in Wetaskiwin.
Taylor explained. “Our After School Grants Program is a multi-year commitment to support community-based organizations that provide children and youth with structured, supervised activities that enhance safety, social skills and self-esteem. It’s a cornerstone of our investment in the community, and dovetails with our recently announced broad commitment to the well-being of kids. It is the single largest social commitment we’ve ever made and we’re pretty excited about it for one important reason; children and youth are our future. They are the employees, leaders and clients of tomorrow. We’ve pledged to support a wide range of arts, education, sports, wellness and employment programs to help address the needs of the whole child.”
Debbie Pearson, Fund and Communications Coordinator, Boys and Girls Club, Wetaskiwin, described how the After School Project fits with their programs and services. “Learning shouldn’t have to end when the school bell rings. That’s why the RBC After School Project was created, a program which extends learning beyond the school day. In October 2013, RBC announced grants to 106 organizations across Canada that believe in kids, who will share $2.8 million in funding from the RBC After School Project for the 2013-2014 school year. Almost 60,000 kids and youth will benefit from structured, supervised activities that enhance safety, social skills and self-esteem programs that offer safety, security.The After School Grant provides funding for learning and skill development for children and youth in the hours after school classes end for the day keeping children safe and occupied in meaningful, healthy and fun activities in a place where they can develop knowledge, social skills and self-esteem.”
Taylor left the room filled with smiling faces of staff and administration when he announced, “On behalf of RBC, I am pleased to present this cheque for $10,000 in support of this great after school program. Through our contribution today and, of course, our broader pledge to kids and youth, we are taking another big step towards building a brighter future for all Canadians.” He left the room filled with smiling faces of the children when he announced, “We have free water bottles and treats for you today”.
About the Boys and Girls Club of Wetaskiwin: The Boys and Girls Club of Wetaskiwin have been offering low-cost, much-needed programs and services for children, youth and families in the community since 1988. The agency serves children from 12 months to 19 years in various programs which include; After School Programs, Out of School Care (main location and Norwood School), Summer Day Camp, Native Friendship Club, Assets In Youth, Stars Mentoring, Rogers Raising the Grade, Early Learning and Child Care (Daycare), Restorative Justice Program, Enrichment Program, and the Family Support Program.