Kids Up Front Calgary creates joy, promotes inclusion and strengthens communities by connecting children and families to enriching experiences.
From empty seats to unforgettable adventures…
The idea for our foundation was sparked in Calgary in 1999 by John Dalziel, a local businessperson impacted visually by all the empty seats at a hockey game. John envisioned these empty seats filled with deserving kids – kids who may never receive the opportunity to attend a hockey game or a concert due to financial or social barriers.
Since then, we have provided more than 650,000 experiences valued at over $21M to southern Alberta kids and families!
We now have chapters across the country, ensuring every child has a seat in the crowd. We have offices in Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Atlantic Canada. Visit www.kidsupfront.com to learn more about the other chapters.
More Than A Ticket!
Excerpts From Our Recent Impact and Evaluation Study
Highlights of 2021:
Highlights of 2020:
Our small but mighty team has done an incredible job at pivoting and reinventing how we deliver programs. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we made a conscious effort to lean into our core organizational values and allow them to inspire and lead our work (collaboration, fun, integrity, inclusion, and agility)
Programs
Distribution of tickets for the NHL, the CFL, musical shows and theatre productions, Stampede, concerts, and attractions, or any tickets to an event that you can think of that is kid-friendly, we can place. Donated tickets will create special life-changing opportunities for these children and their families, giving them a place to bond and have fun! Through the More Than A Ticket program, we have seen children build confidence and self-esteem, improve well-being, strengthen family relationships and reduce social isolation.
These are special events conceptualized, organized and hosted directly by Kids Up Front staff and volunteers. They are hands-on experiential and/or educational events that often include “extras” such as food, transportation, gifts, and more. Sometimes the ideas come from the passions and ideas of our incredible donors. Examples include ski Day, cooking classes, art classes and kits, STEM workshops, private concerts, golf lessons etc. This program also includes our suite program, whereby we host groups of children and families in suites at the Scotiabank Saddledome with the help of volunteer suite ambassadors. These experiences are made possible through partnerships with corporations and individual donors who wish to make a difference in kids’ lives. The Kids Count program encourages unique experiences driven by our supporters’ passions.
New Programs:
A virtual platform for connecting kids with engaging online activities. We see the program’s true potential and how it can be a game-changer for our agency partners and the thousands of deserving children and families they support. What started as a simple way to provide our communities with family-friendly resources during lockdown has grown into a powerful new tool for enriching the lives of kids across southern Alberta.
Handled With Care
Connecting donated goods to deserving kids! With the donation of new goods becoming more frequent, Kids Up Front has started a new program called Handled With Care. Utilizing our vast charitable distribution network, our strong relationships in the sector and our expertise in collaboration to support our kids and families in a new and exciting way!
Volunteer
As a small team of three, Kids Up Front relies on our strong base of very dedicated volunteers to help us run our programs and fundraisers.
Our Suite Ambassador Program is our largest and most-loved volunteer opportunity for those wanting to make a difference for our organization and the kids we serve. Come on out and support us by being an ambassador at the Saddledome and get a chance to watch a great game or show with a great bunch of kids and their chaperones! We provide training, and all of our volunteers require security checks and screening. We would be happy to assist you and welcome you as a member of our KUF Krew. Please get in touch with our office for further details!
Donate
Your generosity is a crucial part of supporting our kids. There are several ways to contribute to our work!
Contribute directly to us through Canada Helps. You can make a one-time donation or sign on to be a monthly donor at any amount.
Legacy Giving
You can create a very meaningful and lasting legacy by leaving a bequest to Kids Up Front Foundation (Calgary) in your Will.
Planned giving is a wonderful way to ensure the Kids Up Front programs in Calgary will flourish for many years.
Important Information for your Legacy Gift:
Legal Name: Kids Up Front Foundation (Calgary)
Charitable Registration Number: 863522124RR0001
Donate your tickets to this program, and Kids Up Front will ensure that kids get out to the event and have a great time! When possible, we also ensure that donors receive thank you cards from the lucky recipients of their tickets.
We appreciate your support!