About P.R.O. Kids
P.R.O. Kids (Positive Recreation Opportunities for Kids) ensures that non-municipal recreation opportunities are accessible to children and youth who would not ordinarily be able to afford the cost of participation. Many Kingston community organizations support P.R.O. Kids by offering free spaces or reduced-cost to their sport, culture, arts and recreation programming. Eligibilty is determined through the Municipal Fee Assitance Program.
HOW P.R.O. KIDS HELPS
P.R.O. Kids helps Kingston's children and youth up to the age of 18, who are unable to afford program fees by:
- Forming partnerships with community organizations that donate program spaces or discounted fees for their programs.
- Matching children and youth with programs suited to their interests.
- Raising money to ensure all qualified children and youth receive support.
- Assisting with equipment and supplies when needed.
- Consulting with families on transportation needs. Transportation support may be provided through bus tickets, car pooling or taxi.
P.R.O. KIDS VISION:
That all children and youth in Kingston have the opportunity to participate in sport, culture, arts & recreation activities for the purpose of enhancing self-esteem and promoting healthy lifestyles through skill development, increased knowledge and personal growth.
P.R.O. KIDS MISSION:
To link Kingston children and youth lacking sufficient financial resources with partnering sport, culture, arts and recreation organizations.
In addition to the special consideration from the community organizations, P.R.O. Kids will attempt to address other potential participation barriers such as the need for program equipment and support to obtain transportation.
The P.R.O. Kids program levels the playing field for underprivileged children and youth in Kingston to take advantage of the hundreds of sport, culture, arts and recreation opportunities available in our community.
It allows parents and agencies working with families, new opportunities to direct children and youth's energies into activities that will enhance their self esteem, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide fun and enjoyment in their lives.
For the community organizations that partner with the P.R.O. Kids Program it will allow them to confidently offer to a recognized and neutral agency, those precious program spaces to be fairly and honestly distributed to those who need those opportunities most.
For the City of Kingston, the P.R.O. Kids Program will allow us to work in partnership with our community in eliminating the need and enjoying the value of universal access to sport, culture, arts and recreation opportunities for all our community's children and youth.
