Tania Bardati gladly gives up a few Starbucks lattes a week to sponsor a child in Hamilton’s City Kidz program.
The Waterdown mother says it’s worth it because the organization gives inner-city children some hope and confidence.
“The focus is on the child rather than the poverty aspect. I think it’s a really good use of funds. With a lot of (other) charities, you don’t see where your money goes.”
Sponsorships of $27.50 or $35 a month help fund a free 75-minute Saturday activities program that includes free transportation and food.
Bardati, an educational assistant, says she was “blown away” by City Kidz during a tour in June. She loved the dedication and enthusiasm shown to each child.
“We all help Haiti (and other areas) … but this is in our own back yard.” Poor countries still need help, she added, but “to see it in our back yard, this, to me, is a priority.”
City Kidz is currently seeking sponsors for another 225 children by Friday and another 40 by the end of August. It has 825 children sponsored so far, by individuals, churches and businesses.
Founded by Todd Bender, a minister with the Gospel Crusade of Canada, City Kidz ministers to children aged three to 15 from disadvantaged homes with short weekly in-home visits and Saturday activity sessions.
Volunteers currently visit 2,315 children a week for up to 10 minutes each, according to City Kidz director of development Susan Lamont.
“We could have a chat or play … sometimes we have a tea.”
These volunteers on “the front lines” can also connect parents with help agencies, she said.
About 1,000 children attend one of the three Saturday sessions, held in an ex-movie theatre on Sherman Avenue North. They sing, play games, pray and learn good morals and values, Lamont said.
Although City Kidz fundraises throughout the year to finance its $1.2-million yearly budget, the monthly child sponsorship “is our sustainable, reliable income we depend on,” she said.
Sponsors are not teamed with an individual child but their monthly donations cover the costs for a child to attend City Kidz.
905-526-3392
