Grants available to host Playing for Keeps Neighbourhood Games
TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Playing for Keeps, a collective of organizations, is challenging Torontonians to get out in their neighbourhoods and organize fun activities -- sports, arts, music or food - that bring families and neighbours together this Family Day weekend. Residents can apply for a micro-grant of up to $50 for expenses related to staging a Playing for Keeps Neighbourhood Game in their community. The grant application and guidelines are available online at www.playingforkeeps.ca or can be picked up from a Community Hub listed below. A limited number of grants are available.
Playing for Keeps is a social innovation developed by a group of more than 35 organizations including the Toronto Community Foundation, Heart & Stroke Foundation, University of Toronto, George Brown College, and YMCA of Greater Toronto. Launched during the 2012 Ontario Summer Games (OSG), the concept of Playing for Keeps Neighbourhood Games was created to address the impact of trends showing a steady decline in sense of belonging and activity levels across the city.
"Toronto is sound and safe, but we're also still struggling with challenges vital to our well-being," said Rahul K. Bhardwaj, President & CEO, Toronto Community Foundation. "There's a reason our parents told us 'get outside and play' as kids. It's the way we created our first social networks, built trust and leadership, and stayed healthy. We hope Torontonians, across generations and cultures, will use the power of play as a way to build healthier, more active and better connected communities. It's one way we can strengthen Toronto's vital signs together."
Residents are asked to share videos of their Neighbourhood Games at www.playingforkeeps.ca. An interactive "Games Map" currently features games that have been taking place since August. Residents can also learn from the experiences of trained Games Ambassadors through the Playing for Keeps Facebook and Twitter pages.
"I have a vision of Cedarvale ravine being transformed by snowmen lining the walkway, and mushrooming into the fields. I see it as a great way to bring together people living on both sides of the ravine to interact and engage in a fun and healthy event," said Debra Kirkegaard organizer of "Let It Snow, Man!" Kirkegaard's Playing for Keeps Neighbourhood Game will take place on February 17, weather permitting.
In addition to being named a key legacy of the OSG, Playing for Keeps is participating in IGNITE, a TO2015's program designed to promote sports, physical activity, healthy living, recreation and/or art and culture leading up to the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.
Community Hubs offering micro-grant support
About Playing for Keeps
Playing for Keeps is about people and neighbourhoods developing healthier, more active, and better connected communities through play! Over 35 organizations and 600 people from Ajax, Toronto, and Hamilton helped to develop this social legacy initiative. For more information, please visit www.playingforkeeps.ca.
About Playing for Keeps Neighbourhood Games
Playing for Keeps Neighbourhood Games are locally organized, playful and joyful activities that bring people - neighbours, co-workers, friends and/or family - and even strangers - together to share a positive experience, have fun and play. Neighbourhood Games cover a full range of activities such as sports, arts, music and food.
Video with caption: "Video: Playing for Keeps Neighbourhood Games are locally organized, playful and joyful activities that bring people - neighbours, co-workers, friends and/or family - and yes, even strangers - together to share an experience, have fun and play.". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scGZlEwm0wQ&feature=youtu.be
Image with caption: "Umar Khan leads the way through a maze of hula hoops at the corner of King and Bay streets at a game demonstration to launch Playing for Keeps last summer. Khan, a newcomer to the city, is now a Playing for Keeps Volunteer Ambassador. (CNW Group/Toronto Community Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130213_C5035_PHOTO_EN_23661.jpg
Image with caption: "Narin (Janet) Khazaei (left) joins fellow Playing for Keeps trained Volunteer Ambassadors for a hula hoop game demonstration at the corner of King and Bay Streets to mark the launch of Playing for Keeps last summer. (CNW Group/Toronto Community Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130213_C5035_PHOTO_EN_23660.jpg
SOURCE: Toronto Community Foundation
Media contact:
Simone Dalton
Manager, Media Relations & Communications
Toronto Community Foundation
(O) 416-921-2035 ext. 218
(C) 416-809-5036
(E) [email protected]
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