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2000+ WEEKLY HOME VISITS • 1000+ ATTENDING ON SATURDAYS • 1 PURPOSE
spring
twenty
city kidzannual report 12
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Thank You For Making A Difference
Hope York
I Love You
Jerome Wilson
2011 Annual Report
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THANK YOU FOR MAKING A
DIFFERENCE
Despite all the rough and difficult things
she has experienced, kanisius has worked
hard to make better choices.
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HOPE YORK
IN HER OWN WORDS
“WITHOUT CITY KIDZ I WOULD BE NOWHERE.
SO NOW I WANT TO GIVE SOMETHING TO
OTHER KIDS AND THAT’S THE GIFT OF FAITH”
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JEROME WILSON
”I truly believe that the difference we see in jerome is
because somebody believed in him, and had hope for him”
City Kidz® • 601 Burlington St E, Unit A • Hamilton, ON • L8L 4J5
Tel: 905.544.3996 • Fax: 905.544.4077 • Email: info@citykidz.ca • Web: www.citykidz.ca
REGISTERED CHARITABLE NO: 89498 2479 RR0001
Official Partner
WHAT IS CITY KIDZ?
OUR VALUES:
We are people of FAITH
We are a community of HOPE
We are servants of LOVE
Feature
OUR MISSION:
We exist to increase resiliency and inspire big dreams for
Candian children living in low-income communities by
providing inspirational experiences and nurturing personal
relationships, one child at a time.
thank you for
making a difference!
OUR DREAM:
by Jeremy Curry
did this without expecting anything in return.”
I asked Kanisius if she had made any connections
with any children at City Kidz, “Oh many
children. I have my own little group of girls
who always want to sit with me, and colour me
pictures!” she responded emphatically.
“I remember when City Kidz sent me and my sister to
Camp Mini-Yo-We for a week. How people from City
Kidz paid for everything, and gave us the opportunity
to go. My sister and I had never gone to camp
before. It was just a great experience; going there,
and meeting tons of new people, being somewhere
outside my own home. I’ve never forgotten it.”
She told me a story about one of them,“There
was a little girl from my bus, who kept telling me
over and over again, that she was very hungry, and
that she hadn’t eaten, and that she was really sad.
She was tired because she hadn’t slept in days, and
she’d been feeling sick. It upset me a bit, because it
was like looking at myself when I was a kid. Wow - I
wanted to help her and I want to do something for
her and make her feel happy. That was only my
second week at City Kidz, and it really, really shocked
me. It made me realize that, it’s a real thing and
that it happens to many kids, including myself.”
Kanisius is a new volunteer, but an old friend.
When I was her age now, 16, Kanisius came to
City Kidz on my bus. She continued to come
for 7 years. Kanisius and her sisters moved
around a lot, but always found themselves
back at City Kidz after a short time. Now,
after being away for 3 years, she had returned
once again. This time, to give back to the place
where she spent so much of her childhood.
I asked Kanisius to share what City Kidz meant
to her growing up: “I loved it. It was a place
where I could get away from all my home life and
just have fun, and not stress about anything at
home. It meant a lot, because it showed that lots
of other people cared about me and wanted me to
do well; they put in time and effort to spend time
with me and make sure I was having fun. They
THANK YOU TO OUR CHURCH PARTNERS
IN MIRACLE SUNDAY 2012!
All Nations Full Gospel Church
Apostolic Holiness Church of Jesus Christ†
Bethany Gospel Chapel
Bethel Gospel Tabernacle
Burlington Baptist Church
Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle†
“I also remember when I was growing up with City
Kidz there was Todd and Angie, and one specific
volunteer: Helen. She really inspired me. She told
me despite what I’m going through, I can be happy,
and find hope in life. That I can do great things.”
Kanisius shared with me that things have
changed a lot at City Kidz since then, but “the
values have been the exact same and wonderful.”
She is a wonderful example of dedication and
commitment. She is a great leader, loving on and
caring for so many boys and girls. She steps up
to the challenge whenever there is a need to be
filled. Most of all, though, despite all the rough
and difficult things she has experienced, Kanisius
has worked hard to make better choices.
She shared with me how little girls coloured
pictures for her now. There are a stack of three
pictures in front of me that Kanisius and her
sisters coloured for a very special friend: Helen.
It is big, it is important, it is audacious. We have committed
ourselves to reach 5000 children in Hamilton each week at
the end of a 5 year journey, 2013.
Our Commitment is to search continually for the child
who needs to know that someone cares, the child who
needs to know they have a place in this world, so they know
they are loved, that they matter, and that someone believes
in them.
WE VALUE OUR SUPPORTERS!
Three times a year the City
Kidz newsletter is published.
We are committed to
keeping you informed of the
impact your support makes
through the stories and
numbers we provide in this
publication.
We enjoy sharing the life
of City Kidz through our
mailings, and hope that
you appreciate them. If you
would like to make any
changes to your mailing
information, how often we
mail you, or if you would
like us to stop mailing you,
please feel free to let us
know.
City Kidz thinks very highly
of our supporters and
donors.You make what we
do possible, and we want
you to know that your
privacy is of the highest
importance. We work very
hard to ensure that your
personal information is
kept private and strictly
confidential. We do not
share, trade or sell any
information we have
gathered.
We want to hear from you
and know how you think
we’re doing. Please feel
free to contact us by email:
info@citykidz.ca or call:
905.544.3996
That’s how you know when you’ve really
made a difference! Thank You for the
support you have shown to all our kids
like Kanisius. We hope you know you are
making a very real difference in their lives!
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Chalmers Presbyterian Church
Christian Life Assembly
Church of the Ascension†
Church Of Christ
Church of God of Prophecy
Church of the Nativity
Church of St. John the Evangelist†
City Congregational Fellowship
Creek Community Church
Crossfire Assembly
Dundas Calvin CRC
Faith Gospel Church
When I was a kid, what I liked most about City
Kidz was the fact that they always made me
feel like I was family. When things were hard
at home or at school, they were there to listen
to what I had to say. I like when they came
to visit me on home visits to tell me what we
were going to be doing the next Saturday.
Success!
At City Kidz, I have learned that with God I
can dream big, and that no matter who I am
God loves me and all my friends. I dream of
being a writer and the first thing I want to
write about is City Kidz. I hope that, with God,
I can make my dream and goals come true.
hope YORK
In Her Own Words
by Hope York
I was 4 years old when I began going to City
Kidz. I was welcomed by all the volunteers as
I walked off the big red bus and went through
the doors of the Playhouse. As a Kinder Kid,
I played games, danced to songs, and made
new friends. When the Saturday ended, I was
already thinking of the next inspiring Saturday.
I am now 15 years old and am a red vest volunteer
at City Kidz. Being a volunteer means a lot to
me because there is nothing more special than
a kid’s smile. City Kidz changed me by showing
me that I belong to something and they gave
me confidence. Without City Kidz I would be
nowhere. So now I want to give something
to other kids and that’s the gift of faith. As
a volunteer, I can hopefully make a positive
attitude in a kid’s life, make a difference in their
life, and hope for their dreams to come true.
If I got to talk to the Board of City Kidz, I
would thank them for helping Todd Bender
start City Kidz because, without City Kidz,
there would be a lot of kids that wouldn’t feel
the sense of belonging or the sense of someone
caring for them. I would thank them for the
doors that they open in the lives of kids.
THANK YOU, CITY KIDZ, FOR BEING A
BIG PART OF MY LIFE AND FAMILY!
CHILD SPONSORSHIP
We would like to thank all our child sponsors, you
collectively sponsor over 900 children! Your faithful and
consistent support provides us the ability to provide
weekly home visits, free door to door bus transportation
and our Saturday Program with food for our 2200 children
and youth.
We have over 1300 more children and youth that need to
be sponsored! Would you consider coming along side one
of our children, or one more child if you already sponsor?
Help bring hope into their lives by letting them know they
matter, they are loved and have a purpose!
“I LOVE YOU”*
by Melissa Manahan
There is a family from Iraq on my route with
three little girls. They came to Canada last
July and the two oldest girls (ages 5 and 9)
started coming to City Kidz in September.
When they first started coming they barely knew
any English. They only knew how to respond
to “what is your name?” and “how are you?” In
the first couple of weeks of attending City Kidz
the mother asked me “What do you do at City
Kidz? The girls always come home on Saturday
with huge smiles on their faces. They love your
program.” As time has passed I’ve developed
a close relationship with the family, and I have
Fifty United Church
Flamborough Calvary CRC
Garside Bible Church
Hamilton Biker’s Church†
Hamilton Christian Fellowship
Hamilton Church Of God
noticed how much of an impact City Kidz has had
on them. Instead of being shy little girls, afraid
of the people around them, they have grown
to love the program and the people involved.
You can make a difference for only $27.50 a month! Call
today or come down for a tour to see and experience the
investment and difference you can be making in the lives of
our children, and our community’s future!
905.544.3996 x220 or childsponsorship@citykidz.ca
City Kidz is able to make a difference in the lives
of so many because it closes its doors to no
one. City Kidz leaders care and love every child,
regardless of race or creed, gender or religion.
Each week when I see my girls they give me a
huge hug, look up at me, and in broken English
say “I love you.” The unconditional love and safe
environment at City Kidz has allowed these girls to
thrive as they seek to adjust to new life in Canada.
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Hamilton First Church of the Nazarene†
Harmony Baptist Church
Lakemount Worship Centre
Little Bethel Community Church
Maranatha Christian Reformed Church
Meadowcreek Community Church
* Photos in this article were changed for privacy
Mission Baptist Church
Mount Hamilton Baptist Church
Mountsberg Baptist Church
New Westminster Presbyterian Church
Our Lady of Assumption Roman Catholic Church
Peoples Church Hamilton
Success!
JEROME wilson
by Haley McCulloch
Jerome started coming to City Kidz with his
brothers, when he was just 6 years old. At
that time, Jerome and his brothers became
very well-known to the City Kidz leaders,
because every week they were causing some
sort of trouble. Jerome was disrespectful and
uncontrollable. He never participated in the
songs, games, or any part of the program.
He would much rather distract other kids by
running around and throwing various objects.
Every week when his bus captain would drop
him off at home, she would ask “Jerome, did you
have fun today?” He would answer with a defiant
“NO!”. She then proceeded to ask “So will you
come back next week?” to which his reply would
be, very quietly “yes.” Jerome kept his word,
each week he came back, and slowly but surely,
each week his captain saw small improvements.
Jerome was disrespectful and
uncontrollable. He never participated
in the songs, games, or any part of the
program.
Fast track to 6 years later, after his family moved
around a lot and we lost contact for a while,
up until 8 months ago. His family moved back
into a neighbourhood that City Kidz reaches.
Being 12, Jerome was eligible for Jr. Leadership,
he got connected once again with his new City
Kidz captain and signed up to be a Jr. Leader in
September. Since then, I have had the privilege
of having Jerome as a part of my bus team. I had
heard many stories of Jerome before he was
assigned to my bus, and at first I could see the
attitude, and the resistance to authority. But
now I can say with all sincerity that Jerome is
becoming one of our best leaders. He shows up
faithfully every Saturday, with a great attitude,
a willingness to serve and a genuine care for
the kids. He shows respect to not only myself,
but other leaders and is setting an outstanding
example for the children and his younger brother.
He does an incredible job with our 3-5 year olds,
he is gentle and caring with them. In particular,
I truly believe that the difference
we see in Jerome is because somebody
believed in him, and had hope for him.
I have 3 year old twin boys on my bus, who are
very busy. They won’t sit still for any other leader
but Jerome. He has built trust with these little
guys, and they absolutely adore him! When he
is around, they listen, stay in their seats and are
engaged in the program! This is a side of Jerome,
that I am sure many thought we would never see.
I am thankful for City Kidz, because 6 years
ago, a lot of people were ready to give up on
Jerome, but one faithful City Kidz leader kept
asking each week “Will you come back next
week?”. I truly believe that the difference we see
in Jerome is because somebody believed in him,
and had hope for him. This journey for Jerome
is not without its struggles. Jerome faces daily
surroundings that force him to deal with the
choice of doing the right thing, and finding hope
for his life. However, with the weekly influence
of City Kidz in his life spurring him on to be all
that he can be, the sky is the limit for Jerome!
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Philpott Memorial Church†
Pioneer Memorial United Church
Port Elgin United Church†
Ryerson United Church
Salvation Army Winterberry Heights
St. Andrew’s United Church†
St. John United Church
St. Paul’s United Church
Stewart Memorial Church
Tintern Church of Christ
Trinity Presbyterian
West 5th Bible Chapel
THANKS TO OUR MIRACLE SUNDAY MEDIA PARTNERS:
CTS & WISHART
West Highland Baptist Church
Westdale Reformed Church
Westover Baptist Church
† New in 2012
2011
ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
An average of 1,066 children attended each
City Kidz Saturday Program, representing
an increase of 24% since 2009.
26,653 meals were served to
our hungry City Kidz kids!
Children were safely transported
53,306 times to and from the
programs of City Kidz.
The number of Kinder Kidz (pre-schoolers
ages 3-5) reached an all time high of 416,
a 5% increase from the previous year.
91,489 personal weekly home
visits to our City Kidz kids!
INCOME
A combined total of 2,276 children
were actively involved each week
with the programs of City Kidz.
Over 5,400 Christmas gifts were
delivered to kids in Hamilton.
Donations
69%
Fundraising Events
24%
Grants
6%
Other
1%
386 children received a special
“Summer to Remember” experience
which included day camp, overnight
camp and day trip experiences.
371 frontline program volunteers invested
approximately 3,000 total hours each
week or 150,000 hours a year. Even at
minimum wage that would represent a
cost savings of over 1.5 million dollars!
261 volunteers assisted with special
events such as Gift of Christmas, Road
to Hope and the Annual Dinner.
7 members of the Board of Directors
gave oversight and direction to the
mission and vision of City Kidz.
EXPENSES
A total of 639 volunteers helped
move the mission and vision forward,
bringing faith, hope and love to children
and families in our community!
Program
83%
Fundraising
10%
Administration
7%
AUDITED STATEMENTS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
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SAVE THE DATE!
Corporate partners
July 24
IRC Group Golf Tournament
Nov 3-4 Road 2 Hope Marathon
Nov 5
Gift of Christmas 2012 Launch
Nov 15
City Kidz Big Dream Banquet
CITY KIDZ TOURS!
Date:
Place:
Saturdays, Mar – Jun & Sept – Dec
The Sherman Playhouse Theatre
177 Sherman Avenue
between Gage & Birch, Barton & Burlington­,
use the side door by the bus parking lot
We want to thank all the businesses who have come
alongside City Kidz to help make a lasting impact in the
lives of our children.
R.S.V.P Tour Coordinator at 905 544-3996 x 210 or email
more at www.citykidz.ca/partners
visit www.citykidz.ca/tours for more info
us with your questions at tours@citykidz.ca
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
At City Kidz there are so
many ways to get involved.
So whatever your skills,
whatever way you would
like to serve, we can find
a place for you! To get
started please call
Leanne Gaudreau at:
905-544-3996 x 212 or
through email at:
leanne@citykidz.ca
Here are a few of the
different areas we need
YOUR HELP:
a part of our bus ministry,
this opportunity is for you!!
As we look forward to
reaching more children we
need Team Captains to
lead our teams. Are you 18
years or older? Do you want
a chance to build awesome
relationships with our
children and their families?
Come out and join our 25
other Team Captains.
Right now we are in a huge
need of Bus Drivers to
transport our children back
and forth from the theatre.
If you have your B or C
license and would like to be
Team Members are
always needed to come
out and join one of our 25
teams! You will get to ride
the bus, engage the children
in the program, and build
awesome relationships!
CITY KIDZ® BOARD MEMBERS
Founder & Executive Director:
Rev. Todd Bender
Chair: Roger Davies
Vice-Chair: David Marks
Treasurer/Secretary:Trevor Thomson
Thank you for your gift of $8000 for meals,
which has fed thousands of City Kidz children
Photos Credits:
Jeremy Curry
Independant Legal Counsel:
Rick Bialachowski
Members: Russ Brown, Wendy Eustace,
Mark Goobie, Ruth Kaulback, Brad Lawrie,
Karen Longhurst, David Marks
City Kidz® • 601 Burlington St E, Unit A • Hamilton, ON • L8L 4J5
Tel: 905.544.3996 • Fax: 905.544.4077 • Email: info@citykidz.ca • Web: www.citykidz.ca
REGISTERED CHARITABLE NO: 89498 2479 RR0001
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