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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday March 2, 2007 - 11 KidsFest wants level playing field for all children By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF The plight of children living below the poverty line in Canada reached the ears of the students at Oakville Christian School, last Friday, during a presentation celebrating KidsFest. "We are hear to raise awareness of child poverty," said Brian Warren, CEO and Founder of KidsFest. Warren captivated a gymnasium packed with over 100 primary school children with his antics that included a motto, adopted from Winston Churchill, that Warren directs to all children, especially those living in poverty. To the laughter of the students, Warren made a face like a British bulldog, pulling his bottom lip over his mouth and baring his teeth, encouraging students to do the same. "Never, never, never, give up," said Warren, in his best Winston Churchill voice. After psyching up the audience Warren moved on to the heart of his presentation, alerting the students to the fact that child poverty does not only exist in distant third world countries but is present in Canada and even their own community. "In Canada one in six kids live in poverty," said Warren. "Within 7 km from here it's one in three," he said, pointing at every third child in a row of students. "That means one in three are poor and can't afford to even go to school with the tools they need. Can't afford to have new shoes." Warren went on to explain that DAVID LEA / OAKVILLE BEAVER MOVING CEREMONY: Constable Thomas Kim of the RCMP presents KidsFest Founder Brian Warren with a cheque for $15,000 during a presentation at Oakville Christian School. KidsFest helps such children reach their full potential by involving them in programs that promote academic achievement, physical fitness and social interaction. "We give out backpacks and school supplies to level the playing ground and make sure the haves and have nots are the same," he said. "We also have a Running and Reading Club. When we start off, they may not be able to run three minutes but by the end of the program there is a 5 km adventure and we are able to run 40 minutes without stopping." Warren was not alone in his promotion of KidsFest. As part of his presentation he was backed up by members of the RCMP, one of whom delighted the children by arriving in a full Mountie dress uniform. Inspector Steve Martin explained the value the RCMP sees in the KidsFest programs. "If we can assist in any way in children learning how to read and improving literacy rates in Canada then there is a greater likelihood that they'll be less involved in crime," he said. "They'll have greater selfesteem, more respect, they'll stay out of street gangs and everything else." Constable April Dequanne talked about her rewarding experience as a team captain with the KidsFest Running and Reading program. As students listened attentively, Dequanne told them the story of Benjamin, a child who persevered and completed the Running and Reading program's 5 km run despite the fact that the only footwear he had were a pair of heavy boots. By the end of the run Benjamin's legs were sore, but his smile stretched from ear to ear because of his victory. "We're not putting money in their hands but we're putting social skills and developmental skills in their back pocket. Resources and tools to get these kids through the tough times that they are going to face in the years to come," said Dequanne. Besides providing manpower for the programs the RCMP also offers financial assistance to KidsFest. At the end of Friday's presentation the RCMP handed Warren a cheque, for $15,000. Warren hopes the students will take away from his presentation a belief in making the impossible possible. "It will pay off if you persevere. It's the same philosophy, it's the same principal if you're in poverty or you're in an adverse situation if you just keep on going, with a little bit of help, you can," he said. "We are the helping hands that can make the difference." For Dequanne the achievements made by KidsFest are absolutely priceless. "We've seen firsthand kids who have increased their grade level readings by eight levels. We've seen kids who can't run for five minutes finish a 5 km race and what that does for their selfesteem and confidence is something money can't buy." KidsFest is following up this presentation on April 20 with its 6th Annual Silent Auction/Dinner at the Oakville Convention Centre. BERTIN STABLES March Break Camps Now Booking · Weekday Lessons 4/$107 or $35/Lesson · Saturday at Farm 10am-3pm $40 (Children 5-12 yrs.) 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