Winnipeg, MB - Two Winnipeg youth recreation organizations will receive a donation from the Mayor’s annual State of the City Address, taking place tomorrow at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Each year, a portion of the net proceeds from the State of the City luncheon is donated to non-profit groups selected by the Mayor. This year’s recipients, Making Waves Winnipeg and the Inner City Youth Football Program, are Winnipeg-based groups that provide affordable, accessible recreation to Winnipeg youth.
“All children should have access to healthy recreation opportunities,” said Mayor Katz. “It’s a pleasure to support programs which make such a tremendous difference in the lives of the kids they serve.”
“The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is pleased to once again partner with Mayor Katz on this initiative,” said Chamber President & CEO Dave Angus. “The Chamber has a long history of giving back to the community and we are very proud to play a part in helping these deserving organizations continue the valuable work they do.”
Founded by Cameron Krisko in 2011, Making Waves Winnipeg is a registered chapter of Making Waves Canada. The student-run organization provides one-on-one swimming instruction to children with special needs, at affordable rates. Qualified, university-aged volunteer instructors are fully trained by community partners to work with special-needs children, and participants are accepted regardless of skill level.
“At Making Waves Winnipeg, “SWIM” stands for Seeing the Ability, Working with Children, Increasing the Awareness, and Making a Difference,” said Krisko. “We are pleased that the Mayor and the Chamber of Commerce are supporting us in our efforts to make a big difference in the lives of the special kids and families that we work with. The benefits of swimming lessons extend far beyond the pool.”
The Inner City Youth Football Program was co-founded by former Winnipeg Blue Bomber Dave Donaldson in 2010. The program, operated through KidSport Manitoba, offers kids with limited access and financial means the chance to play football. Last year, 91 students in grades four, five and six took part in the after-school program, which also includes dinner and transportation for the participants.
“The Inner City Youth Football Program is very happy to have been chosen to receive proceeds from the Mayor’s annual State of the City Address,” said Donaldson. “We are very grateful for the continued support of Winnipeggers as we enter our fourth year of providing a positive, healthy experience for inner city kids.”
Each organization will also receive $5,000 from local businessman and philanthropist Albert El Tassi, CEO of Peerless Garments.
“Mr. El Tassi is renowned for his philanthropic acts and gifts to the community,” said Mayor Katz. “His generosity sets a tremendous example for all of us, and we are so pleased that he has offered to once again support our State of the City charities.”
The State of the City luncheon is one of the Chamber of Commerce’s largest events. Nearly 1,000 are expected at this year’s event, which will be held tomorrow at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.