Emily Tang wants donors to understand that their donations during the Creative Kids Holiday Campaign will help many youth, like herself, find the confidence and creativity to pursue their dreams.

“When I received the support from Creative Kids to take dance lessons when I was ten, it really set me on a path for success that gave me the opportunity to learn new skills and to gain confidence that I was lacking at the time,” said Tang, a new spokesperson for Creative Kids. “Because I gained so much, I really wanted to give back to Creative Kids, so I became a spokesperson to let others know the importance of supporting kids in their creative pursuits and donating this holiday season.”

Two years of isolation increased financial challenges for many Saskatchewan families and the province already saw one of the highest provincial child poverty rates in Canada. As of 2019 — the most recent numbers available — more than 73,500 children have limited access to essential daily needs and opportunities for positive growth and self-esteem.

“I think that children across this province, now more than ever need to be involved in a meaningful cultural activity, which can have a positive impact on their mental health” she said. “Too many families across this province can’t afford it, but a donation to the Creative Kids Holiday Campaign can change that.”

Shawn Bauche, program consultant, Creative Kids Saskatchewan says, “When so many families cannot afford to put their children in a cultural activity such as music, dance, theatre, and art, they lose out on positive creative growth and development opportunities. This is one of the fundamental reasons that Creative Kids was started and we want to make sure children and youth across this province grow, shine and belong!”

Tang attests to the benefits of participating in a cultural activity. “Because of dance, I became more body confident. The dance studio I went to was such a positive environment that I no longer felt insecure with the way I looked,” she said. “Mentally, learning and mastering new dance skills made me apply the same perseverance and energy to everything I do now.”

She also credits the Creative Kids support for improving her physical and mental health, as well as, developing success-based mindsets such as perseverance and teamwork.

“It also helped me meet amazing life-long friends, and dance mentors. It sparked many passions in me, such as my dream of becoming a lawyer, joining the competitive Bedford Collegiate pom/cheer team in high school, and becoming an advocate for the mental and physical health of Canadians.

“This is why I truly understand that Creative Kids support could also be a life-changer for other youth.  It provided me with opportunities to grow up in a supportive environment and inspired me to give back to the community in return. With your donation, you could be providing the same opportunity for other children and youths across Saskatchewan to gain valuable skills and explore their passions as well.”

She adds, “When you give to Creative Kids this holiday season, not only will you give the gift of creativity, you will also change a life.”

To donate click here. 

About Creative Kids Saskatchewan

Creative Kids Saskatchewan was created in 2010 to remove financial and social barriers to arts and cultural activities for Saskatchewan children and youth four to 19 years of age. Since its inception, Creative Kids has granted over $5.38 million and helped more than 11, 659 kids in more than 241 communities across Saskatchewan explore their creative dreams through inclusion in arts and culture.