On November 30th, we invite YOU to match with the Ward Family Foundation to help kids LEVEL UP!
As I write this letter, Christmas is in the air at Moorelands Kids! Although we are separated by remote working, our team is busy connecting with our wider community – matching those who have signed up to sponsor families in our Christmas Sharing program with families who are in need of support. This is the spirit that makes Moorelands what it is: a caring community that lifts each other up, remaining connected through challenging times. YOU make these connections possible.
Many of the families we serve find themselves at the intersection of a myriad of challenges affecting our city. They are up against issues around income inequality, racialization and equity. They are the least likely to have access to technology and mental health supports, another intersection felt most by vulnerable children and youth. Facing just one of these challenges is difficult. Combined, they can have deeply damaging effects on children’s development.
The recently released Toronto’s Vital Signs 2021 report from the Toronto Foundation highlights that our kids are at risk of falling further behind their wealthier peers:
“Parts of the city that are home to more low-income and racialized residents bore the brunt of learning disruptions. Students in those areas were more likely to quickly switch to virtual schooling, as these neighbourhoods had the most severe COVID-19 outbreaks, but students in these neighbourhoods were most likely to struggle with access to high-speed internet, high-quality devices and adequate space to focus on schoolwork.”
At Moorelands we are calling this the COVID-slide.
When you support Moorelands Kids’ Christmas Sharing and our year-round programming, you’re not just spreading joy and making the holidays happen. You’re helping kids LEVEL UP from the COVID-slide and regain lost ground. You’re keeping them connected to our nurturing community of positive role models. And you’re equipping them with the building blocks of resilience.
In your myMoorelands, you’ll read the Siddiqui kids’ story – 4 kids who took part in our online camp this summer – I hope you’ll see the strong, positive impact you are making in their lives.
As you read, I hope you’ll consider taking advantage of a very special matching opportunity on #GivingTuesday, November 30th, when all online gifts to Moorelands Kids – up to $35,000 – are once again being MATCHED by The Ward Family Foundation. Help kids LEVEL UP and ensure they stay connected to the camp community of nurturing role models, leadership skills and positive social interactions through our new connection piece, Festive Fridays; or our year-round after-school programming. Donate on Giving Tuesday using this link: moorelands.ca/giving-tuesday-2021/
Thank you again for your commitment to our kids. Wishing you and yours a connected, caring and very Merry Christmas! Let’s all look forward to a better year ahead!
Sincerely,
Lynda Tilley
Executive Director | Moorelands Kids
Help kids LEVEL UP!
Gifts made on November 30th will be MATCHED by The Ward Family Foundation. Donate to help kids LEVEL UP!
