By Angela Brown

Charity helps creative kids access the arts

Jun 9, 2017 | 2:07 PM

Battlefords area families with children interested in the arts but can’t afford the costs associated with it, now have help from a charity operatingin the region. 

Creative Kids Saskatchewan, based in Regina, is accepting applications from low-income families to offset some of the costs so their children have more opportunities to take music lessons, dance classes or pursue other interests in the arts.

The charity also provides support to children exploring cultural activities, such learning about Indigenous traditional art.

“Creative Kids is a children’s charity that helps families get their kids involved in artistic and cultural activities,” said Shawn Bauche, program co-ordinator for Creative Kids Saskatchewan. “It is based on the financial need of the family.”

The program is open to children from four to 19 years of age who reside in Saskatchewan. Up to $750 is available per year for each child accepted for the funding program. 

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“Families can apply a few times per year,” said Bauche. “We try to coordinate the applications with peak registration times.”

“Families can choose any instructor in their neighbourhood who is going to be a good fit for the type of activity the child is interested in,” said Bauche.

He said, as an example, the organization will accept applications for a child taking piano lessons from a teacher who offers instruction from his or her home, as well as for children who take lessons at a music school, as some of the possible scenarios. The program doesn’t fund summer recreational camps.

The charity is funded through Sask Culture and with funds raised through donations, sponsorships, and fundraisers.

In the Battlefords, a fundraiser gala called Celebrate Kids is held in March each year to support the Creative Kids program.

Bauche said a number of children in the Battlefords area have benefited from the program.

Last year Creative Kids received 127 applications from the local area.

“About $28,000 we were able to put into the Battlefords and North Battleford as far as paying for music lessons and dance classes and those types of [activities],” Bauche said. “We were able to help 113 children in the community.”

Bauche said since Creative Kids has only a limited amount of funding available for the program, it also fundraises to help the charity.

“Our goal is to create opportunities for kids who wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity otherwise,” he said.

Bauche said: “We want to make sure that everyone has a chance to explore their passions, meet new friends, and gain some self esteem and confidence,” while pursuing hobbies in the arts.

Creative Kids also has a committee located in North Battleford.

While the deadline is June 9 for families wishing to apply for Creative Kids funding for summer programs for their children, they have until August 18 for fall programs.

Application forms are available at: creativekidssask.ca

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW