KDSB announces 2024 Child Poverty Reduction Reinvestment Funding recipients

Tim Brody - Editor

At its March board meeting, the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) awarded its 2024 “Child Poverty Reduction Reinvestment Funding” (CPRRF) to 11 community-led initiatives across the District of Kenora.
“The KDSB Board of Directors fundamentally believes that all children and youth need and deserve equitable access to organized sports, recreation, community activities, and food security,” KDSB shared in an April 9 press release.
“The CPRRF funding opportunity is provided solely by the Municipalities and Unincorporated Territories that comprise the KDSB’s Board,” KDSB noted in their press release.
“The approved 2024 community partner applications promoted program and service ideas that will encourage the health and well-being of children and youth. The Board recognizes the importance of the Child Poverty Reduction Reinvestment Funding program for children and youth in our communities to have equitable and improved everyday lives within the Kenora District,” stated Fred Mota, KDSB Board Chair.
In total, the KDSB will be providing funding to eleven programs throughout the District: Ecole Immaculée-Conception – Student Nutrition - $3,000, Horseshoe Connection – Cultural Recreation - $8,795, Ignace Public School – Loonie Lunch - $3,000, Ignace Youth Centre – Youth Recreation - $5,000, Keewatin Patricia District School Board PASS – Youth Nutrition - $4,000, Making Connections for Children and Youth – Recreation Access - $10,000, Northwestern Health Unit – Nutrition on Weekends - $49,839, Oginaawabiitong – Kenora Chiefs Advisory – Food Security - $15,000, Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre – Food Security & Cultural Recreation - $11,500, Rotary Club of Kenora – Nutrition on Weekends - $10,000, Triple P.L.A.Y. – Recreation Access - $10,000. Total - $130,134.
“The cost of eating in our region continues to rise and wages have not kept pace. Income based solutions are needed to address food insecurity and poverty reduction in the long term. However, community food programs such as Nutrition on Weekends (NOW) can provide short term relief for children and youth. Currently, approximately 500 children and youth benefit from increased access to food on the weekends by participating in NOW programs. The Northwestern Health Unit is pleased to support schools and community partners across the Kenora District who operate NOW programs with this funding,” shared Stephanie Cran, Health Promotion Coordinator, Northwestern Health Unit.
“We would like to express gratitude to receive such a significant contribution from the KDSB’s Child Poverty Reduction Reinvestment Fund. This support means the world to the Kenora Youth Wellness Hub and will make an impact in the lives of youth aged 12-25 who are vulnerable to or experiencing poverty,” said Tess Lavelle Program Manager for the Kenora Youth Wellness Hub. “With these funds, we can continue providing a diverse range of essential services including but not limited to; transportation support, food security, hygiene assistance, ID support, clothing support, and gender-affirming care. None of these services are possible without the unwavering support of our community and contributions like the one from the KDSB Child Poverty Reduction Reinvestment Fund. This generosity truly warms our hearts and fuels our shared mission towards equitable access and child poverty reduction,” concluded Lavelle.
“The Kids are Recreationally Equal (K.A.R.E) Plus program enables district children and youth to have access to positive outlets, while becoming active; building on their strengths and talents, enabling them to meet new friends and mentors and gain valuable leadership skills. Together, in Red Lake and Ear Falls, we show kids we KARE,” stated Monique Tougas, Administrative Assistant, Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre.
“Through the CPRRF, the KDSB looks forward to working together with the lead community partners who received funding this year and the continued work of supporting community organizations in implementing programs that increase the overall well-being and participation opportunities for children and youth in the Kenora District,” KDSB concluded.