The Child Development Fund exists to help improve the quality of life for children and youth served by the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society. These children are some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community. With the aim of assisting families, children and youth to overcome barriers to participation, the Child Development Fund was established to respond to individual needs in order to enhance overall development and growth.
This fund has a great deal of flexibility and can cover a variety of expenditures such as fees for sports teams or various types of lessons, recreational and cultural events, costs related to school trips, graduation, as well as travel costs for special events, sometimes including costs for extended family members.
The sports and recreational programs for which we have provided assistance have so far included but are not limited to horseback riding lessons, martial arts, hockey, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and swimming lessons. We fund all associated costs including uniform or equipment needs as well as team fees and fees for lessons and travel. The Child Development Fund has also provided for the costs associated with gymnastics, dance and all forms of art lessons. Participation in any of these programs helps to build a child’s self-esteem and confidence, increase social contact, develop relationships, as well as foster the individual skill set associated with each activity.