Building a foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Sun Life Financial Centre for Physically Active Communities has taken great strides towards helping young people stay physically active, prevent chronic illness like Type 2 diabetes and develop healthy habits for life.

Through the Centre, the cost of physical activity programming is fully waived for young people facing socio-economic barriers and transportation challenges throughout the Kitchener Waterloo region, including newcomers.

Hundreds of participants have benefitted. Morning programs get kids moving before the day begins. Dynamic basketball tournaments give students from at-risk neighbourhoods a chance to be on an equal playing field with their peers. Centre programming helps build competence and confidence in physical activity. We are grateful that donors like the PepsiCo Canada Foundation and Sun Life Financial have set into motion the brightest, healthiest future possible for our young people.

“Your support this year has provided all youth regardless of gender, race, religion and economic status with equal opportunities to reap the benefits of building healthy minds, bodies to live healthy, active lives! On behalf of the students, schools and myself, we look forward to your commitment on expanding and delivering high quality programs. I eagerly anticipate the growth of our partnership with the basketball.”

– Kat Katsambrokos, Child Youth Worker, Waterloo Region District School Board and Founder of Junior Ball-Stars