Subsidies for Children and Youth
Children’s Fitness Tax Credit
In 2007 the Government of Canada introduced a fitness tax credit for parents of children enrolled in qualifying physical activities. Parents may claim up to $500 per child under the age of 16, or, if the child qualifies for the disability tax credit, under 18 years.
Eligible programs must be ongoing (once a week for a minimum of eight weeks, or a five consecutive days of a summer camp,) supervised, and suitable for children. Programs should also include a significant amount of physical activity, contributing to the strengthening of cardio-respiratory endurance, as well as at least one of the following: muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, or balance.
Be sure to ask for a receipt when enrolling your children in eligible activities.
For more information visit these Government of Canada websites.Information for Parents:http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/fitness/
Information for Organizations: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/whtsnw/rgn-eng.html
Canadian Tire JumpStart
The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program helps kids in financial need between 4 to 18 years of age participate in sports and recreational activities such as soccer, hockey, karate, dance and more. Qualifying families can apply for up to $300 per child twice per year to help cover the costs of registration fees. Consideration is also given to fund equipment and transportation costs. For more information please contact:
Residents living in St. Thomas: YMCA St. Thomas-Elgin at 519 631-2418 ext. 26 Residents living in East Elgin: East Elgin Community Complex at 519-773-5631 Residence living in West Elgin contact 1-877-616-6600 http://www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstart/KidSport
KidSport is a national charitable program that helps children and youth in financial need to participate in organized sport. Grants range from $50 to $250 and go towards registration and or equipment costs.
To read the KidSport grant guidelines and fill out the application form visit http://www.kidsport.on.ca
