Local group to help financially challenged kids recreate

Ken Johnston
Editor

In an effort to ensure that all children in the Rainy River area have an opportunity to participate in recreational activities a group of local citizens have sought to reach for the stars and help disadvantaged young people.
The Rainy River Youth Reach for the Stars program started with Rainy River Recreation Board Director Monique Gall looking into a grant program from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation.
After working on it for several months approval came through this past spring and now the group is actively promoting its purpose.
Reach for the Stars is a financial assistance program that allows children up the age or 19 to apply for money to help defray costs of activities like sports or music lessons. “Not everyone can afford to play sports or take music lessons,” said Gall.
To date the committee has approved funds for two individuals, whose name remains confidential throughout and after the application process.
Reach for the Stars received a one time grant of $6,000 of which 10% is to be used to cover administrative costs of the program. The rest has to be given out by next June.
Gall urges anyone who feels they have a need to apply. “This basically reduces cost barriers and gives all kids an opportunity to get involved with sports or other activities.”
Applications can be picked up at the Recreation Centre, Rainy River High School, Riverview Elementary School, Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton and the Rainy River Toy Library.
Approval usually comes within a week of applying and kids can apply themselves as long as they have a reference (such as a coach or teacher) sign the application.
Sitting on the Reach for the Stars Board is Monique Gall, Gabe Langlais, Lisa Armstrong, Jason Wilson, Kyle Langlais, Dennis Ewald, Guy Arpin, Georgina Jarvis, Deb Wagner and Donna Davidson.
Gall hopes to fund raise throughout the year to replenish the fund each year and give disadvantaged kids a chance to participate in local recreational activities the same as other kids.