Funding to Canadian Tire Jumpstart will help over 37,000 children and youth build skills, stay active and strengthen communities across Ontario
The Ontario government is investing $1.59 million in Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart) to help more than 37,000 children and youth across Ontario participate in sport and recreation programs. Through the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation (IGR) program, this investment is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by creating healthier communities, expanding opportunities for young people and ensuring more families can access the benefits of sport and recreation.
“Our government is delivering on our plan to protect Ontario by investing in opportunities that help children and youth succeed,” said Natalie Pierre, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sport. “Sport and recreation help young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, make lasting friendships and live healthier lives. By working with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, we’re making it easier for families to access these opportunities while building stronger communities across our province.”
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities works with community organizations across Ontario, and nationwide, to provide equitable access to sport and recreation opportunities for children and youth who face financial, accessibility or other barriers to participation. In 2024-25, Ontario’s investment of $1.51 million through Jumpstart’s Community Development Grants program supported 154 grants to Ontario community organizations, enabling more than 1.02 million hours of play for over 27,000 children and youth from underserved populations.
“We are grateful to the Ontario government for its continued support, which will help Jumpstart and community organizations create more opportunities for children and youth to access sport and recreation close to home,” said Marco Di Buono, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “Through our Community Development Grants, we invest in local organizations that understand the needs of their communities and can deliver accessible, inclusive programming. Together, we are helping more kids across Ontario experience the lifelong benefits that come through sport and play.”
Ontario’s Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program partners with organizations across the province to make sport and recreation more accessible, affordable and inclusive. By helping more young people participate in local programs, the province is building healthier communities, supporting lifelong participation in sport and recreation, and helping ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Quick Facts
- Since launching in 2021-22, Ontario’s Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program has helped approximately 150,000 children and youth across the province participate in sport and recreation programming in their communities.
- The Ontario government invests over $23 million annually to support local, inclusive physical activity programming, including: Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program, the Community Aboriginal Recreation Activator (CARA) program, the Sport Pathway for Ontario Native Wellness, the Youth Cultural Camps (YCC) program and Variety Village.
- Ontario’s historic $500 million investment through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is helping revitalize existing local sport and recreation facilities and build new spaces so more people can participate and stay active
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
