Helping Canadian children to become physically active Cities across Canada
GoodLife Kids Foundation is actively working to combat childhood physical inactivity across Canada by financially supporting physical activity programs for children. Through our Grant Program we have reached right across Canada, supporting local programs and impacting the lives of almost 200,000 children to date.
How did it start?
GoodLife Kids Foundation was established in 1998 by David Patchell-Evans, President & CEO of GoodLife Fitness Centres in Canada. The GoodLife Kids Foundation Grant Program began in 2009 and has issued over $1million in grants to over 100 organizations across Canada that align with Our vision – For every Canadian kid to have the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life.
Objectives
Our Vision is for every Canadian kid to have the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life.
The GoodLife Kids Foundation Grant Program provides funds to local and national Canadian organizations that are providing sustainable physical activity programs for kids ages 4 – 14. We look for programs that have the potential to create a sustainable behavioural change by making physical activity a daily part of Canadian kids lives.
Why is this project important?
Sadly, the facts regarding the health of today’s children are not changing. 31% of Canadian children aged 5 – 17 years are overweight or obese. This generation will be the first to not live as long as their parents. 93% of Canadian children are not meeting the 60-minutes a day physical activity guideline. These statistics are staggering and pose a reality of negative effects on children’s health, their self-esteem and Canada’s health care system.
Project resources
Over 2,500 GoodLife Fitness associates volunteer their time annually to raise funds and be ambassadors for GoodLife Kids Foundation. In addition, thousands of GoodLife Fitness Club members donate and participate in fundraising activities that take place right across Canada each year.
Project results
Through our Grant Program we have reached right across Canada, supporting local programs and impacting the lives of almost 200,000 kids to date. The GoodLife Kids Foundation Grant Program began in 2009 and has issued over $1million in grants to over 100 organizations across Canada.
Gymtopia Comment
We really like this initiative for several reasons. First, the formation of a separate Foundation signals real intent from GoodLife Fitness, Canada’s largest fitness company, about their long-term commitment to improving the lives of children. Secondly, GoodLife Fitness staff (colleagues) are genuinely engaged with the Foundation, donating time to deliver programmes. Finally, members are engaged and can clearly see belonging to a GoodLife club is both good for them, while helping others in their community.
Project by:GoodLife Fitness
| Location: | Cities across Canada |
| Start date: | January 1998 |
| Status: | Ongoing |
| Impact: | National |
| Submitted: | 1 August 2013 |
| Causes: | |
| Charity: | GoodLife Kids Foundation |