A Boys and Girls Club of South Coast BC program in Langley, which focuses on physical activities, nutritious snacks and healthy cooking for children has received a $10,000 grant from Westminster Savings Credit Union.
The after-school Active Living Program, running September through June on weekdays, offers a range of structured and unstructured activities to increase physical activity, promote participation and fitness, and develop social and interpersonal skills. It operates from a facility adjacent to Douglas Park Elementary.
“As adults, we know that we’re meant to eat well and be physically active, and helping kids make positive choices part of their daily habits is the best way to set them up for a healthy life,” said Carolyn Tuckwell, President and CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC. “We can’t run our programs without support from organizations like Westminster Savings. Thank you for helping us build a community of amazing kids.”
According to the 2014 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card, only seven per cent of children aged five to 11 and four per cent of those aged 12 to 17 are meeting the recommended daily guideline for physical fitness of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity activity.
The Langley club offers children access to organized sports such as floor hockey, ice hockey, baseball and soccer. Every day games, including dodgeball and freeze tag, are played in the gyms and activities such as yoga and dance are held regularly. Supervised trips to nearby parks are also part of the program to encourage outdoor physical activity.
“At Westminster Savings, we’re committed to helping our members achieve better balance — and not just financially,” said Gavin Toy, president and CEO of Westminster Savings. “We know that providing opportunities for active living can create long-term, life changing impact and set the foundation for future success and healthy habits. By supporting these types of initiatives, we’re helping to build strong communities that are healthier and more inclusive places to live.”
Westminster Savings is supporting the Active Living Program as part of Project Better Balance, a community investment program to help individuals and families achieve better balance in their lives by providing greater access for participation in the arts and active living. For more information, see wscu.com/community.