In the News
May 22, 2014
United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington wants to remind Kingston that the most crucial time for children’s development is between birth and six years.
“It’s a key age,” Bhavana Varma, president and chief executive officer of the local United Way, said. “We as a community need to ensure that our kids zero to six are remembered.”
Between March 3 and 11, the United Way held a special series of events to do just that. Success by 6, as it was called, just wrapped up its eighth year.
“One of the things that our committee has recognized is the need for parents and caregivers to take the time to make a difference for these kids,” Varma said. “Success reminds people that it doesn’t take a lot to take time to make a difference.”
The United Way held 172 events throughout the region during the course of the week, all designed for kids between the ages of zero and six. Activities from a broad range of categories – physical activities, the environment and entertainment, for starters – were all run by volunteers and ran free of charge.
“It’s our way of giving back,” Varma said.
One of the most popular events this year, as in years past, was Touch the Trucks, held at Ormsbee Mercantile. At this event, children were able to explore a fire truck, a recycling truck and other large city vehicles. Other busy activities included drop-in crafting, parent and tot swimming, and story time with Franklin The Turtle.
“We have a lot of fun watching the children learn. And we have some wonderful participants,” Varma said.
The community began reaching out to the community in January to line up events. Varma explained that some participants have traditionally always taken part – such as the Touch the Trucks groups – while others were new.
“What’s really wonderful, though,” Varma said, “is that every single time we’ve reached out to someone, they have always said yes.”
The United Way is still making final tallies of attendance, but staffer Chelsea Grey said that from just seven of the 172 events, the total number of participants was nearly 300. “They all had great turnouts,” she said.
Varma and the United Way are already looking forward to next year and they hope to continue Success by 6 for a long time to come.
“We have an amazing committee and the week is growing in popularity every year,” she said. “I’m very excited for 2015.”
For more information about the United Way KFL&A, or to make a donation, visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca.
Source: Kelly Reid, Kingston This Week
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