Over the last 15 years, Creative Kids has opened doors for kids across hundreds of communities in Saskatchewan. Thanks to our community of donors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters, thousands of families facing financial barriers have been able to give their kids opportunities to express themselves, grow and belong, that they would not otherwise have.

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Numbers are one thing, but the real impact is in the stories of the kids, service providers, and supporters that have made the past 15 years so special! Here are 15 stories to see the impact of Creative Kids in action:

 

1. Music lessons helps kids unlock unseen potential: Adriana’s Story

When Adriana Sanchez was eight years old, her family unexpectedly received a piano as a gift from a generous neighbor. Seeing this beautiful instrument motivated her to learn how to play. After six years of receiving music lessons, thanks to Creative Kids support, the piano top is now full of Adriana’s trophies and medals from music competitions. Read more

 

2. Sisters on a path to success thanks to Creative Kids: Elizabeth and Emily’s Story

 

When 22-year-old Elizabeth reflects on her experience, she says, “The Creative Kids support shaped the way that my whole family was able to experience music. Music is my soul. Every single part of my day, I have a rhythm, a beat in my head.” Read more

 

3. Creative Kids funding recipient is the first to receive top honours: Brianna’s Story

 

Brianna Dash became the first in Canada to complete the Advanced Solo Award Ballet exam, the highest ballet level within the Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association (CDTA). She attributes lots of hard work, great training from teachers and support from Creative Kids as keys to her success. Read more

 

4. New service provider connects kids to the art of sewing: Bernadine’s Story

 

“The kids that I hope to reach include those from the inner city and those from low income families,” Bernadine says. “To help them improve their mental health along with their sewing skills is a gift. Sewing is not only a good skill to have — it’s also a way for kids to express themselves. So, thank you to Creative Kids for supporting kids in this way.” Read more

 

5. Former Creative Kid is championing the program that changed his life: Cole’s Story

 

He doesn’t like to think about what would have happened to him if it weren’t for the Creative Kids support. “Some of the greatest musicians I know, who are seriously intelligent, were sort of overlooked in a school setting, and it was art, in any sort of form that gave them an outlet to really find themselves and not feel like an outcast in society.” Read more

 

6. Youth’s Confidence Blossoms in Art Class: Brandie’s Story

 

Out of all her students, Perkins sees about 10-15 youth a year go through her art classes thanks to Creative Kids support. She is thankful for the donors that help remove the financial barriers so kids can participate and gain skills that will benefit them as they grow up. Read more

 

7. Young Musician Finds Happiness Through Music: Chen Ni’s Story

 

Chen Ni has been playing the piano since 2015, when her family first applied to receive support from Creative Kids. Her mother, Zhi Ping Chen, remembers Chen Ni showing an aptitude for music by playing a toy xylophone at a young age. Unfortunately, at the time, financial barriers made it difficult for her to foster that budding interest. Read more

 

8. Sisters See Dance as Key to Their Success: N’Tanis and Kori’s Story

Thanks to Creative Kids, sisters N’Tanis and Kori Wuttunee were both able to take salsa dance lessons together. They credit the skills and opportunities they gained from their dance experience as the reason why they have already achieved so much in life. Read more

 

 

9. Longtime Champion Gives Consistent Support: Dr. Jody’s Story

 

Dr. Jody Hobday is not just any champion of the Creative Kids program, she’s been a huge supporter of the program since it started in 2010. “In addition to volunteering, my partner, Murray Taylor, along with our friends and families, make regular monetary contributions. We believe that the arts are a necessary component of children’s lives,” she says. Read more

 

10. Creative Kids Support Bridges the Gap: Heather’s Story

 

This past year, there was increased interest for Creative Kids funding from families living in or around Lloydminster. The interest inspired one service provider from the area to take a more active role in assisting families to fill out the application and gather the necessary information. Read more

 

11. Best of Both Worlds: Creative Kids Supports Multi-talented Youth: Lucia’s Story

 

While Lucia was able to dance since she was five years old thanks to Creative Kids support, Sabine put off getting her into violin lessons due to the cost of tuition. When Lucia was about to turn 10 years old, her mother decided to enroll her in a violin class, before it would be too late for her to start. Read more

 

12. Service Provider sees Creative Kids as ‘a great opportunity’: Andrea’s Story

 

As a Spanish tutor for the past four years, Andrea Barrientos has found fun and easy ways for her students to learn Spanish language. And, this past year, she also found a way to help students who face barriers to accessing cultural activity, such as language classes, by becoming a Creative Kids service provider. She is happy that such a “great opportunity for kids to develop their talents and explore their interests” exists. Read more

13. For the Fifth year in a row, Creative Kids keeps kids dancing: Heather’s Story

 

Thanks to Creative Kids, a Saskatchewan family feels more connected to their heritage. Heather, mom of six creative kids, says that support from Creative Kids has allowed her kids to continue nurturing their dance skills, for the fifth year in a row. Read more

 

14. Generous Support helps Lewin follow his Passion: Lewin’s Story

 

Leslie has always known what music meant to her eight-year-old son, Lewin. When they decided to move permanently to Canada in 2019, she began looking for opportunities around their new home for her son to continue to follow his passion. When she found out about Creative Kids, she was glad such a program existed. Read more

 

15. Finding her Happy Place: Brittney’s Story

 

The 17-year-old has been dancing since she was age five. Brittney has also been receiving Creative Kids funding for the past five years. While COVID-19 halted many creative activities, Brittney has still continued to take dance lessons with Prud’Homme Ukrainian Dance Club in the Village of Prud’Homme. “It’s an amazing feeling because I get to do what I love,” she says. Read more