2009 Annual Report - Kids Up Front Toronto

Table of Contents
Message from Executive Director and President
Kids Up Front Programs
Kids Up Front Agencies
Special Recognition
Kids Up Front Supporters
Impact of Kids Up Front
Financial Summary
Our Mission
Kids Up Front Foundation is a charitable organization that
provides access to arts, culture, sport and recreation for
children who otherwise do not have the opportunity.
Our Vision
One little ticket, one big lift
Our Guiding Principles
Kids Up Front Foundation is committed to operating with
the highest integrity and in a fiscally responsible manner
compliant with Imagine Canada’s Ethical Fundraising and
Financial Accountability Code.
Kids Up Front Foundation as a community service
organization is dedicated to
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Kids Up Front
Foundation
Toronto
Board Members
President
David Huszar
Secretary
Victoria Prince
Treasurer
Karen Atkinson
Director
Dale McIntosh
Director
David Fletcher
Director
Gordon Samuels
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Enhancing the quality of life for children and their
families by making a lasting positive impact by providing
safe, quality entertainment, cultural, educational and
recreational experiences
•
Developing solid partnerships with qualified agencies
devoted to improving the welfare of Canadian children
and families
Kids Up Front
Foundation
Toronto Staff
•
Building meaningful relationships with all stakeholders
of the Foundation
Executive Director
Lindsay Oughtred
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Delivering programs that promote healthy relationships,
social inclusion and tolerance of gender, race and
sexual orientation in a manner that is fair and equitable
to participants
Program Coordinator
Tanya Frosst
Director
Mike Armstrong
Accounting Services
Andrea Bunker
Kids Up Front Foundation Toronto
Message from Lindsay and Dave
It has been a record breaking year for Kids Up Front Foundation Toronto.
In 2009 we had the privilege of sending 30,000 children and their families to events
valued at more than one million dollars. To put it another way, generous donors sent
us over one million dollars worth of tickets which meant that 30,000 children and
their families, who otherwise would not have the opportunity, got to see their heroes
live at arts, culture and sporting events. YOUR generosity has allowed us to achieve
our 5 year goal more than a year early – we have distributed more than 75,000
tickets valued at more than 3 million dollars in less than 4 years.
But it is not just about the numbers. Far from it. The Kids Up Front staff and board
are united by the common commitment to improve the lives of individuals. Kids Up
Front continues to touch children in our community in a powerful way. Reaching
children in need and exposing them to our vibrant city for the purpose of enriching
their lives remains our number one goal. The youth we serve are reminding us every
day that we are doing just that. As Johnny said:
I would never thought I would be stepping into the ACC until I got my career after
college cause of the price. The walk to the suite felt like we won a lottery ticket. I can’t
thank you enough for what you did for us. We got to see the fights, our favourite leaf
players…not to mention the cheerleaders. This will always be a part of my life… I will
always cherish. Thank you, Johnny”
Despite difficult economic times, we have significantly increased our reach in the
community - a feat we are proud of and one that could not have been achieved
without our committed and generous donors. We are so grateful for the support
of the Ontario Trillium Foundation and other foundations, corporations, community
associations and individuals for sharing our belief in the potential a ticket to a Toronto
play, festival or sporting event has toward realizing the promise of a child.
The need for our important service to the community continues to grow and our need
for funding grows with it. Kids Up Front continues to manage responsibly through
these difficult economic times and every dollar donated to Kids Up Front is allowing
us to further break down barriers that exclude so many hungry young minds and
hearts from the magic of sport, arts and culture.
Again this year, let’s continue to work together to get more kids UP FRONT!
Lindsay Oughtred
Executive Director
David Huszar
President
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Kids Up Front Foundation Toronto
Programs
Kids Up Front offers two programs for our children and youth:
Can’t Use Your Ticket? is our trademark program. Unused tickets and thus empty
seats are recycled to the youth of our registered agency partners.
Kids Count! is our event-based program that focuses on making a ticket more than a
ticket. These events are done in partnership with corporations and individual donors
wishing to help us make a difference in kids’ lives by funding a specific event.
Key benefits of the Kids Up Front program are:
• Children benefit from developing a sense of belonging; feeling included; gaining
exposure to “normal” educational and entertaining childhood experiences
• Parents benefit from feeling valued; having the means to give their child a special
experience; re-connecting with their child in a positive way
• Families benefit from sharing constructive leisure activities; encouraging positive
social interaction between parents, children and siblings; healing and strengthening
relationships
• Donors (individuals and corporate) benefit from making a difference; enhancing the
quality of life of children; showing they care
• Communities benefit from having engaged citizens; strengthening of community
values; inspiring future leaders
Memories made in 2009
Kids Up Front’s sports fans watched their favourite teams in action in suites and
great seats at Leafs, Raptors, Toronto FC, Jays, Argos, Rock, Marlies, Nationals, North
York Astros and Buffalo Bills games. Some lucky young fans even attended the Real
Madrid Open Practice and the Rogers Cup!
Families spent quality time together exploring the King Tut Exhibit at the AGO,
Ontario Place, the Toronto Zoo, the CNE, the Bata Shoe Museum and the Ontario
Science Centre.
Children and youth experienced Cirque du Soleil, Radio City Rockettes, High School
Musical 2, YTV’s The Next Star Live Audience, Disney on Ice, So You Think You Can
Dance?, the Shrine Circus, as well as many Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
and Soulpepper productions.
CAN’T USE YOUR TICKET ? WE CAN!
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Kids Up Front Foundation Toronto
2009 Agency Partners
Agincourt Community Services Association
Art City in St. Jamestown
Art Heart Community Art Centre
Arts for Children of Toronto
Autism Society Ontario
Beatz - Touchstone Youth Centre
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto
Black Daddies Club
Bloorview Kids Rehab
Boost, Child Abuse Prevention + Intervention
Boundless
Brock Public School
Bruce Jr. Public School
Cabbagetown Youth Centre
CALC Secondary School
CAMH-Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Camp Oochigeas
Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness
Canadian Mental Health Association - Kingston Branch
Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto
Catholic Crosscultural Services
Central Neighbourhood House
Chaminade College School
City of Toronto Parks and Rec
Club Deportivo Aguila
Collingwood Alternative School
Community Living Toronto
Culturelink Settlement Services
DA Morrison Middle School
Delisle Youth Services
Down Syndrome Association of Toronto
Driftwood Community Centre
East End Community Health Centre
East Metro Youth Services - RISE program
East Toronto Basketball Association
Emery CI
Epilepsy Mississauga
Eva’s Place
Five Counties Children’s Centre
Flemington Public School
Frank Oke Secondary School
Fred Victor Centre
Game Day for Kids
Genesis Community Daycare Centre
Geneva Centre for Autism
Girls Inc. of Durham
Greenholme Jr. Middle School
Griffin Centre
Horizons for Youth
Interval House
Jake’s House for Children with Autism
James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School
Jane Finch Community and Family Centre
June Callwood Centre for Families
Jewish Immigrant Aid Services
John McCrae Senior PS
L’ARCHE Toronto Homes Inc.
Leave Out Violence
Make A Wish Toronto & Central Ontario
Malvern Family Resource Centre
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
- STEPS Program
Mount Sinai Children’s Grief and Palliative Care
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
My Community Homework Club
Native Child and Family Services of TO
Nellie’s
Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto
Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters
North York Community House
North York Women’s Shelter
Oakridge JPS
Pam Fanjoy and Associates
- Helping Kids Through Life Transitions
Parkdale CI
Pathways to Education
- Regent Park Community Health Centre
PEACH -Promoting Economic Action
& Community Health
Peel Adult Learning Centre - Youth Host Program
Perth Academy for Early Learning
Pine Bay Foundation - Camp Winston
Powerhouse Project – Young Careers Initiative
Promoting Excellence
Regent Park School of Music
Regesh Family and Child Services
Rexdale Community Health Centre
Romero House
Ronald McDonald House
Robert Service Sr. Public School
Rose of Durham Young Parent Support Services
Safehaven Project for Community Living
Second Base Youth Shelter
Sojourn House
South African Women for Women
Special Olympics
St Christopher House
St. Alban’s Boys’ and Girls’ Club
St. Michael’s Hospital
Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation
Syme-Woolner Neighbourhood & Family Centre
The Arab Community Centre of Toronto
The Elms Jr. Middle School
The George Hull Centre
The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre
The Hospital for Sick Children
The Learning Enrichment Foundation
The Teresa Group
Toronto City Mission
Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre
Toronto Kiwanis Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs
Toronto People with AIDS Foundation
Toronto Police Service 55 Div. Community Response Unit
Touchstone Youth Centre
Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada
Tropicana Community Services
Tumivut Youth Shelter (NaMeRes)
Turning Point Youth Services - Clifton Program
University Settlement
Urban Promise
Variety Village
Voice for Hearing Impaired Children
Warden Woods Community Centre
West Scarborough Boys and Girls Club
Women’s Centre of York Region
Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke
Woodgreen
World Literacy of Canada
YMCA of Greater Toronto (Scarborough)
Yorktown Family Services
Youth Assisting Youth
Youth Without Shelter
Youthdale Treatment Centres
Youthlink
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Kids Up Front Foundation Toronto
Special Recognition
The support that Corus Entertainment
has demonstrated to Kids Up Front
Foundation is a unique and inspiring
example of philanthropy in our
community.
Corus Entertainment is recognized as a
founding sponsor and partner of Kids
Up Front Foundation across Canada
and has been since Kids Up Front
began in Calgary in 2000. As Kids Up
Front expanded across the country
into different cities, the support from
Corus also grew.
Kids Up Front and Corus Entertainment
share the belief that all children deserve
exposure to culture and are together
making a difference in the lives of
children.
Kids Up Front Foundation Toronto is
very grateful and excited to join Corus
Entertainment at their beautiful new
building this summer.
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Kids Up Front would like to recognize
Chris Butler from L’Arche Toronto as
our Volunteer of the Year.
L’Arche is an international organization
of faith-based communities creating
homes and day programs with people
who have developmental disabilities.
Chris has been with Kids Up Front
for more than 2 years now and he has
become a valuable member of the Kids
Up Front community. On April 21, 2009,
Chris was presented with an achievement
award at the Kids Up Front Donor and
Volunteer Recognition Celebration.
We appreciate Chris’ hard work in the
office and at Kids Up Front events. Chris is
an excellent Kids Up Front ambassador.
Volunteer of the Year
Chris Butler
Kids Up Front Foundation
in Today’s Parent Magazine
parent-to-parent Reader with a cause
LESSONS FROM MY KIDS
Better to go easy on the toys and put some
money away for baby’s education; it comes
sooner than you think.
– Camilla Cornell, TP contributor
Reader with a Cause:
JOHN DALZIEL
His charity:
Kids Up Front
Foundation, Calgary
“When a child sees his hero right in front of him,
it’s a life-changing experience.”
mailbox. “It is clear from the gratitude of these
kids that a ticket is more than just a ticket,” he
says. “It is a true nourishment of spirit.”
Why he won: “Kids Up Front is a simple
idea that has a big impact,” says Today’s Parent
editor-in-chief Caroline Connell. “We’re happy
to support it.”
What the money means: “This award
will help fund our Can’t Use Your Ticket? redistribution program, as well as Kids Count!” says
Cindy Graves, executive director of Kids Up
Front Vancouver. “In that program, we add
special-treatment extras like meals, transportation and autograph sessions with celebrities, so
kids living in poverty feel like true VIPs.” TP
– Randi Chapnik Myers
{
You could be a For Kids’ Sake Reader
John wins a $2,000 donation to Kids Up Front Foundation, from
Today’s Parent and KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation.
204 Todaysparent.com OCTOBER 2009
with a Cause and win $2,000 for a
charity that means the world to you. To
enter, go to forkidssakeawards.com.
}
MARINA DODIS
John Dalziel was at a hockey game at Calgary’s Saddledome when
he noticed a lot of empty seats around him. That’s when the idea
struck: If Dalziel, then a sales manager in the broadcast business,
could convince corporations to donate their unused entertainment
tickets, he could get kids who couldn’t afford them into the best
seats in the house. Finding donors and distribution agencies for
the tickets was surprisingly easy. Now underprivileged kids could
enjoy what more fortunate children take for granted: hearing a
symphony, watching the ballet or cheering at a sports event. A
decade later, Kids Up Front Foundation has lifted the spirits of
more than 500,000 children at a value in excess of $13 million.
Now operating in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto,
the organization partners with nearly 500 charities so kids who
need a break from their challenges get to see their heroes up close.
Like Justin, an 11-year-old child prodigy violinist, who sustained
brain damage following an accident: When Itzhak Perlman came
to town, Kids Up Front made sure Justin was front and centre to
hear his idol live in concert. It was an experience of a lifetime, says
Dalziel, who reads every one of the thank-you notes that fill his
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Kids Up Front Foundation Toronto
Supporters
Champions 2009
Kids Up Front Foundation Toronto is very pleased to announce that we have been
awarded a $105,000 three year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to further
increase access to educational, cultural and recreational community events for
children and their families in Toronto.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For
over 25 years, the Foundation has supported the growth and vitality of communities
across the province. OTF continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector
through investments in community-based initiatives.
Foundations 2009
The
The
The
The
The
Black Family Foundation
BLG Foundation
Conn Smythe Foundation
Harold A. Kopas Charitable Foundation
Harry E. Foster Charitable Foundation
The MLSE Team Up Foundation
The Pocket Fund
Toronto Zoo Foundation
Corporate Supporters 2009
Ameresco • Apotex Inc • Armstrong Partnership LLP • BLM Transport • Celestica Inc • CIBC • CHUBB
Insurance • Corus Entertainment • Dow Chemical • Etherington & Vukets • Flip Publicity and Promotions •
Innovative Corporate Services • Innovative Wiring • Iovate Health Services Inc • Jonesy • Maple Leaf Sports and
Entertainment • Max Trax Digital Music • Merci Mon Ami • Northern Trust • Open Text Corporation • Parmalat •
Pepsi Bottling Group • Pepsi - QTG • Petro Canada • Rogers • Rothmans, Benson & Hedges • Seaforth Building
Group (1992) Ltd • TELUS • Tory’s LLP • Trent Valley Sand & Stone Limited • Urbacon • VIP Services • We Cater
to You • Xentel DM Inc • XEROX Global Services
2009 Individual Donors
Alison Brooks • Amy Cairncross • Amy Wilson • Andrea Bunker • Andrew Peat • Andrew Thompson • Barb
& Winn Oughtred • Barry Grant • Bert Winberg • Braden Bennett • Catherine Retter • Charles Kennedy •
Chris McGrath • Claire & David Cameron • Claire Sturgess • Corey McBurney • Danny Ho • David & Ann
Taylor • David Fletcher • David Huszar • David Worts • Debbie Smith • Denise Starritt • Diane Gilday •
Dianne Gartley • Gail Todgham • George & Martha Butterfield • George Oughtred • Gordon Samuels •
Harry & Lynda Littler • James & Constance Wright • James & Marci Edwards • Janet Burt • Jason Kaimon
• Jeffrey Campbell • Jill & Norm Quick • John & Rosemary McIntosh • John R. Palmer • John W. Craig
• Jonathan Kay • June Oughtred • Karen Atkinson • Katherine Gurney & Andre Nawakawski • Kathryn
Oughtred • Katrina Brightling • Lindsay Oughtred • Marilyn Young • Marjorie Dedman • Mark & Marion
McBurney • Mark Lewis • Martin Houser • Mary Davie • Mary Fisher • Mary Pat & Bob Armstrong • Nancy
Garrow • Nick Allard • Nico McBurney • Nigel Jory • Norman Graham • Pam Lehn • Pam Rosenthal • Peter
& Elinor McKergow • Peter & Judy Russel • Peter Douglas & Deb Grant • Peter Hamilton • Randy Witten
• Roger & Carolyn Swindall • Ross Dedman • Russell Marston • Sally & David Chalmers • Sally Armstrong
& Ted Conrod • Sam Brightling • Sara Pickersgill • Stacey Robinson • Susan Macaulay • Suzie & Hans
Brennickmeyer • Taun & Dawn Frosst • Terra Rebick • Tony Carter • Victor & Joyce Enns • Victoria Prince
• Wayne & Susan Musselman
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In Memory
Barry Grant, June Oughtred, Tom Smythe
Kids Up Front Foundation Toronto
Supporters
Thank you to all of our ticket donors, 30,000 children and youth were able to attend
a wide variety of events in 2009. Although we could not begin to name everyone
that has enriched a child’s life by donating a ticket, we would like to say thank you to
our partners.
Bata Shoe Museum
Canadian National Exhibition Association
Cirque du Soleil
Da Capo Productions North York Astros
Ross Petty Productions
Shakespeare In Action
Soulpepper Theatre
Sprockets
International Film Festival for Children
The Music Hall
The Ontario Science Centre
The ROM
Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto International Film Festival
YTV
“It’s so so so cool that you would do this for my family. We could never ever afford to
go see the theatre specially the third row.”
Child, CAS Toronto
“I take great delight in watching the kids’ jaws drop as they emerge into the suite. They
feel really special to be able to take part in such an extraordinary activity, watching the
game in the lap of luxury. Many of the kids are ardent basketball fans. They were thrilled
the Raptors commanded the game. They asked me to convey their sense of awe over
such a treasured gift bestowed on them. Thank you so much for affording us this unique
chance. We are most obliged to the donor that made such a selfless gesture.”
Steven, Executive Director, Boundless
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Kids Up Front Foundation Toronto
Impact
Outcomes from Agency Surveys
A survey was sent to Kids Up Front charitable agency partners to capture outcomes and
research the impact a Kids Up Front experience has on a child. The data clearly indicated
the positive effects of our program.
Improvement
94%
Self-Esteem
94%
94%
Attitude
94%
42%
Academics
42%
Skills
94%
Interpersonal
94%
73%
Openmindedness
73%
for Self
79%
Respect
79%
to Others
Respect
91%91%
88%
Energy
Level
88%
73%
Interest
in Activities
73%
Social Interactions:
with
peers
91%91%
with family
91%91%
78%
with workers
78%
63%
with teachers
63%
72%
with
staff
72%
“The experience was unforgettable! We cheered almost the full four quarters and we
had little voices the next day to prove that! Donating tickets gave us one of the best
days we’ve had. As youth living in poverty we don’t always have an opportunity like
this and we really appreciate it. Thanks again for an amazing and unforgettable day.”
Youth, Native Family & Child Services
“Thank you so much for giving Safehaven
children, staff and families an opportunity to
take part in entertainment experiences they
otherwise would not have. You have opened
up amazing experiences for our children and
staff and at the same time, have helped put a
face on disabilities and the inclusion of disabled
children - in the community.”
Susan, Director of Development,
Safehaven Project for Community Living
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“It was absolutely amazing; I can’t thank you enough for tickets to So You Think You
Can Dance. The kids loved it. I didn’t tell them until we actually got downtown and
picked up the tickets, then I let my son read the tickets, I wish you could have seen his
face, he couldn’t believe it. The seats were unbelievable. My daughter has just started
dance classes - first time I have ever been able to sign her up for anything. She told
me that she wants to dance like that when she gets older. Wait until she tells her
dance teacher. Honestly they couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks millions!”
Parent, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Kids Up Front Foundation Toronto
Financial Summary 2009
Revenue
Expenditures
Donations In Kind
Donation Receipts
1,182,389
162,522
1,344,911
Tickets Granted
Salaries, Payroll & Benefits
Program Support
Rent & Professional Services
Audit, Accounting & Bank Charges
Kids Count
Insurance
Employee Development
Donations 2009
Fundraising Events
5%
Interest Income
0%
1,175,789
108,773
5,724
4,800
4,761
4,388 1,177 619 1,306,030 *Audited Financials available by request
Individual Donors
19%
Corporate Donors
35%
Government Grants
0%
Foundations
41%
Your donation helps put kids up front
If you would like to make a donation, please use the donation ticket below and mail to:
Kids Up Front 32 Atlantic Avenue Toronto, Ontario M6K 1X8
or donate at www.kidsupfront.com/to-donate.htm
CHILD
donation of:
$500
$200
$100
$ 50
Other:
$__________________
please make cheque payable to Kids Up Front Foundation (Toronto)
YOUR DONATION HELPS PUT KIDS UP FRONT!
A charitable tax receipt will be provided for donations over $25.00
donation made by:
___________________
___________________
Credit Card Number
___________________
Expiry Date
AMEX
VISA
MASTERCARD
32 Atlantic Avenue Toronto, ON M6K 1X8 P: 416.530.2352 F: 416.588.5588 www.kidsupfront.com
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Number: 805044542 RR0001
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32 Atlantic Avenue Toronto, Ontario M6K 1X8
Tel: 416.530.2352 Fax: 416.588.5588 www.kidsupfront.com