Our Impact - CityKidz

Across Canada, 1 in 5 children live in poverty. In some of the neighbourhoods we serve, that number jumps as high as 3 in 4. Since 1993, CityKidz has walked alongside thousands of children in their journey towards a better life.

In 2023…

697

children attended our CityKidz Saturday program

550

birthday gifts were delivered

206

children attended Camp CityKidz

1966

toys were distributed to Hamilton children at Christmas

“The consistency and care shown by the CityKidz staff and volunteers tangibly showed me that I was loved and that I mattered. Through CityKidz, there was always people in my life that I knew cared deeply for me and I was always reassured that God cared for me as well.”

“The love and support from all the staff at CityKidz is incredible: they always know just the right way to help. They are aware of the things we struggle with and always able to talk when we need it.”

“Before CityKidz, I was a really sheltered person. Through CityKidz I learned a lot about myself. Now, I am a completely different person. I have come completely out of my shell and I have done so many of the things I didn’t think I could do.”

“CityKidz is the reason why my life has changed a lot. It’s had a huuuge impact. I’m so grateful to them. My captain, Arlene, is the most fantastic leader I’ve ever met. She’s one of the people I respect the most. Without her, I don’t know where I would be today.”

Stories of Hope

Our kids are incredible. Their lives are vibrant, joyful, messy, challenging and more complex than any statistic could hope to capture. Each of their journeys is unique and all of them are remarkable.

See how faith, hope and love are transforming children’s lives, one story at a time.

2024 Fall Newsletter

2024 Winter Newsletter

2023 Fall Newsletter

2023 Winter Newsletter

A Model for Success

Saying we are committed to nurturing relationships and fostering positive experiences is great, but our top priority is that our programs make a demonstrable difference in the lives of our children, their families, and the wider community.

An in-depth study from the Centre for Community Based Research found that our program model is successful in fostering healthy beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours in children and youth.

What’s more, the study highlighted that CityKidz has a positive impact on the Hamilton community, pointing to changes in schools and neighbourhoods as a result of children’s participation in our programs.

According to the study, participation in CityKidz:

Your Support Makes the Difference

Everything we do at CityKidz is made possible by the financial support of our community. Donors, big and small, are the reason we are able reach children with programs that inspire them towards their full potential and a poverty-free future.

We are honoured by your generosity and trust. We take seriously our responsibility to use your investments efficiently and in ways that make a demonstrable difference in the lives of the children we serve.