Musician’s concert showcases talent and benefits Creative Kids

For musician Donny Parenteau, putting on a concert featuring some of the province’s top Indigenous talents is an opportunity to support Creative Kids and help more children and youth facing financial barriers find their artistic passion.   

“I come from a family that couldn’t afford music lessons when I was a kid. Creative Kids didn’t exist then. I had to learn on my own and it took a lot longer,” he says. “All kids should have the opportunity to participate in an arts or cultural activity because it molds them into strong people and builds confidence.”   

Former Creative Kid is championing the program that changed his life

For Creative Kids Champion Cole Knutson, giving back to the organization that gave him the ability to explore different musical instruments matters to him. He wants all Saskatchewan kids, who face financial barriers, to have the opportunity to pursue their artistic curiosities and gain the benefits through their journeys.

Music lessons helps kids unlock unseen potential

When Adriana Sanchez was eight years old, her family unexpectedly received a piano as a gif t 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.

Elizabeth (left) and Emily (right) after a Juventis choir practice.

Sisters on a path to success thanks to Creative Kids

Elizabeth and Emily Kelln gained many opportunities of growth thanks to the support they received from Creative Kids for voice and choir participation. Both sisters developed many beneficial skills that set them up for success as adults, as well as, helping them find a deep joy and appreciation of music.

Participation in dance sets kids on a path for success

Over the last ten years, Kimberly Parent has had 77 students benefit from Creative Kids funding to take salsa dance lessons at her studio, an opportunity they wouldn’t have had without the generous donors who give to Creative Kids in Saskatchewan.

“The kids that receive funding from Creative Kids are very grateful, humble and dedicated students,” says Parent, the owner of Saskatoon Salsa Dance Company in Saskatoon. “They are aware of how much of an opportunity it is for them.”

Removing barriers to cultural activities benefits youth in many ways

Making sure inner-city kids have lots of options and no barriers to participate in cultural activities is a priority for Dao Duong. Since he started as a Dream Broker in 2021, he has witnessed the strong impact that cultural teachings can have on children and youth.  

Deadline August 11, 2023

Apply by August 11 for fall registrations

If your children are hoping to take lessons in the fall, consider applying to Creative Kids’ August 11 application deadline. We fund a variety of children’s classes including drawing, painting, and pottery; music lessons, dance classes, drama classes, and cultural activities. Parents can apply for up to $750 per child per year towards the cost of these classes. Lower income families are given priority.

Creative Kids E-News is Out

Each issue provides updates on the Creative Kids Canada charity, feature stories of success, resources for cultural leaders, and outline ways you can get involved.

Next Application Deadline is May 26th

Just a reminder to apply by May 26th, for summer classes and early fall registrations, if your children want to take lessons this summer or in the fall. Online applications are now open.

Removing Financial Barriers to Arts and Culture for Kids Important to K+S Potash Canada

It is always inspiring when businesses recognize the benefits of young people participating in arts and cultural activities of their choice. For the past three years, K + S Potash Canada (KSPC) has provided considerable support to Creative Kids helping to remove financial barriers and benefiting hundreds of children and youth across the province.

New Champion’s Resolve to Give Back Grows Deeper

“Over the last year, thanks to my involvement as a spokesperson, not only have I benefited by the mentoring and training I have received, but I have gained the realization that my experience and voice are important as I talk about what the support from Creative Kids gave me.”

Youth’s Confidence Blossoms in Art Class

Brandie Perkins, the owner of the Cathedral Arts School and Studio in Regina, believes in the power of the arts to change young people’s lives. She’s seen it first-hand.

Sisters See Dance as Key to Their Success

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.

Creativity for Kids 50/50

Every kid deserves a chance to find their creative spark! Today kicks off the Creativity for Kids 50/50. Buy a ticket now for your chance to win up to $100,000!

Give Kids the Chance to Explore Arts and Creativity

After one piano lesson at age seven, Jeffery Straker was hooked on music. Recalling his younger days living in Punnichy, a rural community in Saskatchewan, Straker shares how his mother – who was also a piano player – enrolled him (and his siblings) in piano lessons. “I was hooked as a kid from that first piano lesson!

Creative Kids Benefits From This Year’s India Night Gala Proceeds

Cultural Connections Regina recognizes the importance of supporting children and youth, who face financial barriers, to participate in life-changing cultural activities.  The growing need to help kids access these important creative pursuits, is why committee members chose Creative Kids to receive the funds raised from the 2022 India Night Gala.

Creative Kids Support Bridges the Gap

There are exceptions to boundaries when it comes to Creative Kids’ reach. Saskatchewan children and youth in border communities, such as Lloydminster, are not left out of the program support thanks to a service provider who is bridging the gap.

From Small Steps to Big Impact

At its first deadline, way back in 2010, Creative Kids received 124 applications. One of those was from a little girl who wanted to try out dance classes. She was the first child approved for support.

Creative Kids 50/50

Help a child or youth facing financial barriers participate in a life-changing cultural activity.

Apply by August 12 for fall registrations

If your children are hoping to take lessons in the fall, consider applying to Creative Kids’ August 12 application deadline. We fund a variety of children’s classes including drawing, painting, and pottery; music lessons, dance classes, drama classes, and cultural activities.

Musical Family Pays it Forward

For the past 11 years, Creative Kids has had a huge impact on so many Saskatchewan children and youth, some from the same family. From 2013 to 2018, Creative Kids supported all four kids from the Bowen family at one time or another.

Contest Win Benefits Creative Kids

No one expected that when Audrey Rogalski entered the annual IKEA Soft Toy Drawing Competition with more than 66,000 entries worldwide that Saskatchewan kids facing barriers to participating in cultural activity would benefit.

TD Arts for Kids Campaign starts on Monday, May 9th

Get ready for the TD Arts for Kids campaign! Starting May 9th all donations made to Creative Kids will be matched by our amazing partner, TD Bank Group. TD will match all donations up to $10,000 for Saskatoon.

Save the Date for India Night 2022

India Night is a lively celebration of East Indian cuisine and entertainment in support of Creative Kids Saskatchewan. Enjoy an authentic East Indian dinner, live entertainment, fashion show, auctions and raffles and support Regina kids.

Change a Child’s Life this Holiday Season

The Creative Kids’ 12 Days of Giving Holiday Campaign provides the opportunity for those in the giving spirit to change a child’s life by giving the gift of creativity.

Nourish Raises $25,000!

Nourish 2021 was a tremendous success! Our guests were treated to some of the best food Regina has to offer while raising $25,000 for Regina children and youth. Thank you for your support!

For the Fifth year in a row, Creative Kids keeps kids dancing

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.

Generous Support helps Lewin follow his Passion

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.

Finding her Happy Place

Dance has been more than an art or a past time forBrittney. It’s her happy place. For her, dance has been a form of creative expression that makes her feel “calm, energized and relaxed.” The happiness she feels is helping her become a more, well-rounded person.

Meeting Artistic and Cultural Needs of Youth in the North

For the past seven years, Cameco and Creative Kids have partnered in the Cameco Creative Kids Northern Cultural Fund, designed to increase opportunities for children and youth in the north to participate in arts and cultural activities that make a difference.

Creative Kids Annual Holiday Campaign

As we move into the season of giving, it is important to remember the kids who will truly benefit from the gift of creativity– including the opportunity to participate in meaningful arts and cultural activities.

Finding her Voice Thanks to Creative Kids

Getting on stage and showing the world your talent is no easy feat. It takes courage and dedication. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, a Saskatoon girl had the chance to let her voice shine in front of an audience as part of a province-wide talent show.

Two Generations of Creative Kids

For the first time since the program started, Creative Kids records show that over time the program has funded both a mother and a daughter.