Shine. Grow. Belong.
2023 Progress Report

“Being part of the Creative Kids family brings a great deal of satisfaction
to me on a very personal level. Families accessing Creative Kids funding
have often reached out to us to express their deep gratitude. They tell us
stories of how much their children have benefited from participating inthese activities.

WHAT WE DO
Creative Kids removes financial
barriers to arts and cultural activities
for Saskatchewan kids ages 4 to
19. Funding support is available forengagement in art, theatre, music,
dance, and cultural activities.

OUR VISIONAll Saskatchewan children and youth
have opportunities to realize theirpotential through access to unique,life-changing artistic and culturalexperiences.

WE BELIEVE
Creative activities are fundamental tothe positive growth and developmentof children and youth.
Cultural programming is critical to ahealthy vibrant community.
All children and youth should have theopportunity to participate in creative
activities regardless of economic
barriers they may face.

2

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

When I was a young aspiring student in university I saw a guitar at a
garage sale. I had never played guitar but I knew a few of my friends andfamily that did. I bought one. I spent hours learning chords and trying
to play along with some of my favourite songs. Then, somewhere along
the way I found myself writing music. Decades later, I can reflect on aprofessional music career with three albums, many awards and a wealthof experiences no one can ever take away from me. Performing took me
many different places, built my confidence and, most importantly,
I harvested a truckload of friends along the way. I never became superfamous or made millions of dollars, but music music changed my life.
Back in the late ‘80s, I was fortunate to have some cash in my jeans to
buy that guitar. Had I not, I am not sure what direction my life would
have taken.
Thank you to those who donate toCreative Kids. Your donations
change lives!“
Dean Kush, CEOMessage from
SaskCulture
It has been another year of turbulent world eventsand unexpected changes, but we are starting
to see a return to engagement within ourcommunities, which has included an increasein the number of families who applied toCreative Kids. It is more important thanever that children have an opportunity
to engage in cultural activities that bringout their creativity, give them a sense of
belonging in their communities, connect themto their cultural heritage, and assist in theirdevelopment. Creative Kids helps to maximize
those opportunities. Each family that received support
had the financial barriers removed that were standing in the wayof their children’s participation in arts and cultural activities. This participation
supports kids’ growth and builds skills that will contribute to their future
success.
This year, many former Creative Kids, who are now adults, stepped forward to
give back to the charity that gave them access to creative activities when they
were children. The stories they tell echo the research findings that children who
participate in dance, theatre, language and music, benefit from involvement,
moving their life in a more positive direction. You can read some of these stories
in this year’s Progress Report, and we thank each one of them for sharing theirexperiences with us.
In 2023, application numbers returned to pre-pandemic levels, and many
children, youth and their families still continue to need support from Creative
Kids. All parents want their children to participate in activities where they canbuild new friendships and learn new skills, as well as develop their esteem,
resilience and confidence. Cultural activities contribute to developing healthy,
active children
and youth.
Thanks to Creative Kids, over $6.6 million has been granted to children andyouth since the program began in 2010. The 1,313 children and youth supported
this past year, are part of the over 13,902 kids, from over 266 communities across
Saskatchewan, who have received Creative Kids funding. This funding also
contributes to supporting the work of over 598 music, dance, theatre, art, andcultural instructors across the province.

o u r i m pac t

SaskCulture Inc. is a community-based,
non-profit cultural organization that works
with over 150 member organizations
and other community partners to build aculturally vibrant Saskatchewan.
Since its inception, SaskCulture has
worked to support the launch andongoing development of the Creative Kids
program. Thanks to support from the Sask
Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture andRecreation, SaskCulture is able to cover
all administrative costs for Creative Kids
including salaries and the cost of thispublication.
This means that 100% of all donations
and sponsorships to Creative Kids go
directly to helping Saskatchewan children
and youth to participate in arts andcultural activities. SaskCulture thanks all
the donors and supporters who contributed
to this charity, supporting many kids’
dreams and helping to build a culturally
vibrant province.

I want to express my sincere gratitude, on behalf of the charity, to the many
Creative Kids donors, sponsors and champions who have continued to provide
support over the years. We appreciate your belief in the program and thatchildren and youth truly benefit from life-changing cultural experiences.
Thanks to you, kids can shine, grow and belong!
Sincerely,

Jan Seibel
Chair, SaskCulture/Creative Kids Canada

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

3

o u r i m pac t

OUR IMPACT SINCE 2010

13,902
$6.66
266
598
5,900
4

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

Applications
fundedMillion dollars
grantedSaskatchewan
communities
supported

Music, dance, theatre,art, and cultural
instructors paid
Facebook
followers

o u r i m pac t

SASKATCHEWAN KIDS

Need Opportunities to Grow
Ways to donate
to Creative Kids:
You can make a one time donation ormonthly donations, hold a fundraiser
in support of Creative Kids, create abirthday fundraiser on Facebook, set
up a planned giving legacy, and/or
get your local business involved as asponsor.
Or, watch for and support our online
fundraising campaigns throughout
the year.
Whatever way you plan to give isappreciated. To stay up-to-date withour campaigns, follow us onsocial media:@CreativeKidsSaskatchewan@creativekidssask@CreativeKidsSK@creativekidssaskatchewan1955
Please visit CreativeKidsSask.ca
or call toll free 1-855-277-9469 to
make a donation.

In 2023, the cost of living continued to increase, bringing even more struggles for families acrossthe province and, as a result, more applications to Creative Kids. While fundraising
opportunities post-COVID were still limited, Creative Kids continued, despite these challenges,
to ensure that as many children and youth as possible could access arts and cultural activities tobuild skills that will benefit their futures.
Applications to the program in 2023 returned to close to pre-COVID numbers, and Creative Kids
was able to meet this renewed demand by granting $100,000 more than the previous year. We
also funded applicants from 15 new Saskatchewan communities, where children were applying
for the first time to Creative Kids. Kids are returning to in-person activities and families arerecognizing their children need the benefits and skills that creative activities provide. This past
year, Creative Kids continued to help displaced Ukrainian families, funding 67 kids to connect to
Ukrainian dance and art activities. Those opportunities helped whole families to connect with
their cultural roots while building a new life in Saskatchewan and providing their children with asafe place to grow, shine and belong.
Creative Kids also saw an increase in the number of Indigenous service providers, organizational
partnerships and a growing emphasis on cultural programming through DreamBrokers. As
such, Creative Kids increased the number of meaningful cultural learning opportunities forboth Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and youth, such as regalia-making, ribbon skirt/
shirt-making, traditional beading, Métis dot art, powwow dance and jigging instruction. This
broadening of Indigenous cultural opportunities also led to increased participation by kids fromnew communities, such as Tyvan, Scott and Sintaluta, SK. Providing these opportunities for
Saskatchewan children is critical to the healing journey of Reconciliation.
Last year, thanks to generous donors, Creative Kids was able to support the ongoing need forlife-changing connections to culture – by providing 1,313 grants, of up to $750, to children andyouth interested in creative pursuits. By the end of 2023, we had granted over $6.66 million
dollars since 2010. For families, from across the province, who access the support Creative Kids
provides, this connective grant provides access regardless of the financial and socio-economic
barriers they face.

Thanks to administrative support
provided by SaskCulture,
100 per cent of all donations go
directly to supportingchildren and youth.

Besides helping kids, this support also provides a livelihood for the many arts and cultural
instructors and workers who provide arts, culture, and creative training programs and services
each year. The $688,460 granted this year goes directly to those cultural leaders or their culturalbusinesses.

We thank you, and the many others
who give so generously, to support
kids in our communities.

It is extremely important as we move into a new year, that we continue to provide opportunities
for children to connect and engage in creative activities. While we support hundreds ofchildren each year, due to limited funds, we unfortunately have to turn many other deserving
kids away.
Creative Kids depends on donations to be able to support over 1,500 applicants each year –the most vulnerable children in Saskatchewan. This is why we need your help!

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

5

o u r i m pac t

NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS
Funded per Region in 2023

1

NORTHERN
SaskCulture funded 1,343 children
and youth’s participation in art
and cultural activities through theNorthern Youth Cultural Fund.

183 LAKELAND
148
RIVERSWEST

SASKATOON

362
PRAIRIE
CENTRAL

REGINA
SOUTHWEST

61
6

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

73

315

PARKLANDVALLEY90
SOUTHEAST80

o u r i m pac t

OUR REACH ACROSSSASKATCHEWAN

Creative Kids Grant Summary
COMMITTEEFUNDEDAPPLICATIONSTOTALAPPLICATIONSAMOUNT
GRANTEDAMOUNT
REQUESTED

Battlefords

75

77$12,650.00$13,890.00

Big River

8

8$5,510.00$5,510.00

Kindersley

915$6,353.20$9,853.20

Lakeland

173

208$61,106.54$83,681.66

Provincial

373

507

$218,607.6$302,502.57

Regina315

480$174,447.58$227,171.78

Saskatoon

360

526

$209,785.25$314,686.68

TOTAL

1,313

1,821 $688,460.18$957,295.89

ACTIVITY

KIDS FUNDEDTOTAL GRANTED

Art

192

$57,214.61

Culture225$46,467.43

Dance

490

$322,261.21

Music

383

$251,722.28

Theatre23$10,794.65

TOTAL

1,313

$688,460.18

AGES

KIDS FUNDED

4 to 8440

9 to 12592

13 and older

281

TOTAL KIDS FUNDED

1,313

With your help we can REACH MORE KIDS!
This past year, there was a SHORTAGE OF $268,835.71,
which meant 508 KIDS WERE DECLINED funding.
C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

7

highlights

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 Kidsfor voice and choir participation. Bothsisters developed many beneficial skills
that set them up for success as adults, aswell as, helping them find a deep joy andappreciation of music.
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 mysoul. Every single part of my day, I have arhythm, a beat in my head.”
Emily, now 24-years-old, says that throughsinging, she found her purpose and developed
confidence. “When you are performing,
whether you’re the solo performer or amember of a choir, you realize your voice ispowerful and you have an opportunity to saysomething to your audience.”
Early on the sister’s began their musicaljourney by singing in church in Vibank, SK. By
2009, both sisters were in the Juventus Choir.
In 2014, after their mom heard about Creative
Kids through a friend and successfully applied
for funding, they were able to access private
voice lessons. A couple years later, Creative
Kids also supported their participation in the
Saskatchewan Youth Choir.

“I think Creative Kids
provides amazing
opportunities for kids that
don’t normally get them.”– Elizabeth Kelln
8

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

Elizabeth and Emily after a Juventus Choir Practice (left). Emily(middle) and Elizabeth (right) credit the support from Creative
Kids for setting them on a path to success. Photos courtesy of the Kelln’s.

Without the Creative Kids funding, Emily
says, they wouldn’t have received the qualityof instruction they did or been able to afford
lessons at all. “We were a single income
family with four kids and we lived in a verysmall town. Money is always tight when you
have lots of kids on one income.”
Emily is very thankful of the Creative Kids’
support for voice lessons. She says, becauseof it, she came to understand there is a great
deal of growth through learning. “The biggest
thing that I learned through my voice lessons,was learning how to accept criticism and knowthat it’s not a reflection of yourself.”
Elizabeth contributes the time-managementand discipline skills that she developed
through practicing music to how she was able
to successfully complete her schooling whileworking. “I’d get up at 5:00 a.m. every day,study for three hours, go to work for eight
hours, then come home. I did that for three
years.” Elizabeth is now a licensed optician
and contact lens practitioner managing two
stores and ten staff.
Having completed a Bachelor of Music in
Voice Performance and currently continuing
her education in music, Emily says, she also
gained self-awareness about what her bodyneeded. “I got a better understanding of
my own body. It’s something that’s very
interesting with voice because you are yourinstrument. You start to think about things
like: What am I eating? How is this going toaffect my singing? Did I get enough sleep or
drink enough water today?”

They also gained access to elite performanceexperiences with the Regina SymphonyOrchestra and the University of Regina
Wind Ensemble. In addition, they becamea part of the choir community in the city.
Elizabeth says, “It made me feel a sense of
belonging because I was a part of a choir,
gained a community and gained long-term
friendships with people that I have known
since I was eight-years-old.
Emily is thankful to the donors that give toCreative Kids and wants them to know, “You
had a huge impact on me. You should know
your donation and your money is goingsomewhere important. It really impacted mylife. Extremely. Because of you, I am where
I am today. A voice student, teacher andperformer.”
Their two younger sisters were also recipientsof Creative Kids funding for voice and choir.
Elizabeth says, “My sisters and I feel thatit’s pretty amazing we all got to be in music
together.” She adds, “I think Creative Kids
provides amazing opportunities for kids that
don’t normally get them.”

Creative Kids isthankful for the support of thefor helping kids nurture theircreative talents.

highlights

MUSIC LESSONS HELP KIDS
Unlock Unseen Potential
When Adriana Sanchez was eight years old,her family unexpectedly received a piano asa gift from a generous neighbor. Seeing thisbeautiful instrument motivated her to learn
how to play. After six years of receiving music
lessons, thanks to Creative Kids support, thepiano top is now full of Adriana’s trophiesand medals from music competitions.
Adriana’s mom, Sirely says that, having
access to music lessons has given her childthe opportunity to find talents and passions
that she wouldn’t have found otherwise —an opportunity that every kid deserves.Her
youngest daughter also receives support formusic lessons.

“Everyone deserves theexperience to be able toexplore and grow.
It’s important for everyone
to have these opportunities,
because you never know
how it’s going to end up,
and that is truly amazing.”– Adriana“Creative Kids is an amazing program,
especially for families with low incomes. We
want to give our kids the chance to learn andexplore. Sometimes we want to give themmore, but unfortunately, we can’t,” Sirely says.
“Having access to this program — it’s been a
blessing for Adriana, because through thisshe has actually developed so many skills.”
Adriana started by taking piano classes,
which led her to many gold trophies forher talent. But after a few years, her love
for music transformed into a new passion
for playing the clarinet. And, the clarinet
became her instrument of choice.

Adriana enjoys practicing the clarinet.

“Everyone deserves the experience to beable to explore and grow,” Adriana says, of
being able to learn more than one musicalinstrument. “It’s important for everyone tohave these opportunities, because you neverknow how it’s going to end up, and that istruly amazing.”
If you had told her only a year ago, she says,
she wouldn’t have believed how much shewould come to love the clarinet and thecommunity she has found thanks to it.
“I knew everyone there, so I wasn’t asnervous,” she says, remembering her
experience winning first place at her firstclarinet competition, considered the Rose
Bowl in a local music festival. “Because I wascompeting with my friends, I knew that I wasgoing to be happy either way.”

Adriana with her most recent trophy. Photos courtesy ofSirely Sanchez.

Sirley is grateful for how the support from
Creative Kids has allowed her kids to growand explore their fullest potential. Even
though classes can be expensive for asingle-income family, she says that giving her
daughters the chance to explore music has
always been important to her because of thelong-term benefits it brings to their lives.
“It’s not just about learning how to play. They
are learning dedication, time management,
and commitment,” Sirely says. “As a mother,
we always want our kids to grow, be
successful, and have all the tools they need. If
we hadn’t had this chance, Adriana wouldn’tknow now how much she can do — how far
she can reach.”

Aside from nurturing her talent for music,
Adriana says her years of taking music
lessons have also given her a space toconnect with the people around her. She now
dreams of growing up to play in an orchestra.

Thanks to Creative Kids’
Legacy sponsor“It would be a very cool experience, to get
to learn all those songs and play with otherpeople,” she says.

for helping kids shine
and grow in life-changing
creative activities.

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

9highlights

FORMER CREATIVE KID
is Championing the Programthat Changed His LifeFor Creative Kids Champion Cole Knutson,
giving back to the organization that gave
him the ability to explore different musicalinstruments 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.
Knutson, now 27-years-old, is anaccomplished pianist and saxophonist
who has received a number of prestigious
scholarships to study abroad and perform
around the world, including onstage at
Carnegie Hall. This past year he reached out
to Creative Kids, asking how he could help.
He says, “The Creative Kids funding literally
changed the course of my life. It breaks myheart to think about all of the children in theworld who may not have access to music,
when music could make such a positive
difference in their life and the lives of people
around them. And, they don’t have access toit simply because of money.”
Knutson is thankful for the support hereceived from 2012 to 2014, which allowed
him to play more than one instrument as
a youth, as well as, explore other artistic
activities, such as singing. Before the funding,Knutson’s mother sat him down to explainthat he might need to choose only one artistic
activity, as they couldn’t afford to pay forlessons in both piano and saxophone.

Creative Kids thanks

for supporting
Saskatchewan kids’ participationin creative activities.

10

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

Cole (left) regularly perforrms in prestigious venues aroundthe world. Photos courtesy of Cole Knutson.

“The prospect of not being able to pursue mycuriosity was really upsetting. Thankfully,
my piano teacher told us about Creative
Kids and my mother applied. When I foundout I got the funding, I remember being
absolutely overjoyed because it meant that
I could participate then in a full range ofexperiences.”
He also gained access and friendships,
through his piano teacher, to the richnessof the artistic community in Saskatchewan.
As she often brought writers, artists andmusicians, who were her friends, to North
Battleford to introduce her students to otherart forms.
Another benefit Knutson gained was that
his growing connection to music helped
him to cope with adversity more effectively.
“Music sort of provided me a literal sanctuary.
Whenever I was going through somethingdifficult in my life, I could go to this church
and I would spend literally ten to 12 hours
practicing there if I needed to, to just let myemotions out.”
As his journey with music continued hegained more than strengths and abilities. “Ittaught me discipline. It taught me the ideaof commitment, the idea of community,
and allowed me to grow those concepts. It
allowed me to understand deeper, more ofwhat it means to be a human being on this“Creative Kids is a great
umbrella to facilitate
growth in unconventional
ways. It’s a miracle
program really.”– Cole Knutson
earth. Music also allowed me to understandthat the world is actually much moreaccessible than I was led to believe.”
He doesn’t like to think about what would
have happened to him if it weren’t for
the Creative Kids support. “Some of thegreatest musicians I know, who are seriously
intelligent, were sort of overlooked in aschool setting, and it was art, in any sort ofform that gave them an outlet to really findthemselves and not feel like an outcast insociety.”
He says that is why he wants others to lend
their support to this charity. “Creative Kids
is a great umbrella to facilitate growth inunconventional ways. It’s a miracle program
really. The gift of a donation I think issomething that you can’t really measure.
It has the potential to change the lives ofchildren forever.”highlights

NEW SERVICE PROVIDER
Connects Kids to the Art of Sewing“Creativity can empower
people to have confidence
in themselves — andthat’s when people start
to be able to express
themselves for who
they truly are.”– Bernadine Sapp
Bernadine Sapp’s background in the mental
health sector helps her appreciate how much
her students gain from her sewing lessons.
Throughout weeks-long courses, she has
seen kids start expressing themselves morewith their clothes and being more creative —discovering their Indigenous cultural identity.
“As a mental health worker, I really want
to reach people, to talk to them and share,
because I think there’s a chance that people
can use my work for their mental health andto connect with their culture,” she says.
At her organization, Brave Girl Quilts,
Bernadine offers courses that help revitalize
the tradition of sewing, including ribbon
workshops, regalia-making and beadingclasses. She became a registered Creative
Kids service provider in 2023, and says her
experience with the program has been
wonderful.
“The kids that I hope to reach include thosefrom the inner city and those from lowincome families,” Bernadine says. “To help
them improve their mental health alongwith their sewing skills is a gift. Sewing is not
only a good skill to have — it’s also a way forkids to express themselves. So, thank you toCreative Kids for supporting kids in this way.”
For Bernadine, it’s important to give all kids
access to learning how to sew because it

Bernadine teaches kids to connect to their identity throughthe tradition of sewing. Photos courtesy of Bernadine Sapp.

comes with so many more benefits than
one might think. She learned this firsthandyears ago, when she first took up the craft,motivated by her daughter’s request for a
Jingle Dress for dancing powwow. How muchthe learning transformed her was a welcome
surprise.
“I realized that this [sewing] is such a
powerful tool that can be used to work withpeople in mental health,” she says. “After acouple years, I noticed I had become muchkinder, and nicer. It was just the consequenceof how intentionally I was thinking whensewing and making the things I was making.”
While sewing her first Jingle Dress,
Bernadine often thought of her
grandmother, a quilter, and how she wasalways sewing star blankets at the kitchen
table when she was growing up. Bernadine
imagines that working on sewing projects
must have been a great source of self-carefor her grandmother — and many others,
especially back when more people practiced
traditional crafts.

“In my culture, we believe that when you
create something, you put all of your goodenergy into it, and you think good thoughts
for that person. You smile and you pray,” shesays. “There’s no room for negative thoughts— if that happens, you stop.”
Since starting to teach and founding Brave
Girl Quilts, Bernadine has seen time and timeagain that learning a new craft or connecting
to their culture through creative projects canbe empowering for people of all ages. She
hopes that her teaching will continue to giveothers the gift she got by learning how to
sew -- a space to slow down and discover her
unique creativity.
“Creativity can empower people to haveconfidence in themselves — and that’s whenpeople start to be able to express themselves
for who they truly are,” she says.

Creative Kids thanks

for supporting
Saskatchewan kids’ participationin creative activities.

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

11

highlights

PERFORMER FINDS A DEEP
Connection Through Music
The first time JJ Voss played the guitar, notonly did he find his vocation, but he founda tool to express himself. Now four decades
later, he is an award-winning country singer,
songwriter and performer.
“Playing music and being in theentertainment business has been my focus,
my whole life. My music has always been
a way to connect with others in a way that
I can’t always do through talking.” Vossbelieves that all children and youth shouldhave the opportunity to enjoy a culturalactivity of their choice that will give themavenues to express themselves.
Growing up in the small rural community of
Cupar, his passion for the guitar developed
as a natural progression, as did his singing.
As his three older siblings had left home, it
became a way to pass the time.
“I was at home by myself and music became
my friend, my companion, and picking up the
instruments was just a natural progression,”
he says.
His first guitar lessons were given by his
father. By age 11, and showing a strong
aptitude toward learning the guitar, he wasenrolled in lessons in Regina. By 15 years old,
he was performing in his first band.
“It just made sense that, not only would I belistening to the songs, but of course, I’d want
to be on stage, singing the songs and playing
them.”
After high school, Voss toured withnumerous bands including Emerson Drive
from Nashville for ten years. At the sametime, he worked on his solo career, editing,producing and recording albums. Since
then he has released three albums and one
single. In 2008, he received the WesternCountry Music Awards (WMCA) Producerof the Year nomination for debut album
Hillbilly Storybook. His Show ‘em Who’s Voss’
album in 2012, landed him a Saskatchewan
Country Music Awards (SCMA) for Roots

12

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

JJ Voss believes in the life-changing benefits of an artistic activity as he’s experienced it first-hand.
Photo by Joanne Curtis.

Album of the Year and chart action for five
singles on Canadian Country radio. The
album also received international airplay
leading Voss to his first overseas tour;
playing shows in Germany, Ireland, France,
the Netherlands, Colombia and Mexico.
Through it all he has stayed true to his goalof becoming a troubadour, following in thefootsteps of Steve Earle, Charlie Major, Tom
Petty and Bruce Springsteen. Songwriting
fueled his career, helped him cope withdifficult times and gave him a place to put
his emotions.
“It’s important to me because being creative
allows me to explore myself, my feelings andmy emotions. And when I’m creating, I learn
a lot of about why I am who I am.” He adds,“I hope that at some point after I’m gone,a song that I’ve written will connect withsomebody, or helps somebody feel like they
are not alone, because to me that’s leaving
my mark.”

Looking back he realizes his music also
helped him fit in with his peers, gave him
a community to be a part of and projected
him on a positive path forward. “Art andculture can be life changing. If I wasn’t able
to find music as a means to focus my passion
and energy, I may have gotten into a lot of
trouble.”That is why he now volunteers his time
to, and believes in Creative Kids, and its
support of kids facing financial barriers
to participating in cultural activities.
“It’s important that our youth have theopportunity to be able to access the lifechanging benefits of an art or culturalactivity. I think it’s wonderful that there is anorganization that is looking out for kids who
don’t have the means to pursue that.”highlights“Art and culture can be lifechanging. If I wasn’t able
to find music as a means
to focus my passion andenergy, I may have gotten
into a lot of trouble.”– JJ Voss

Photo by Keith Hershmiller Photography

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

13

fundraising

CO-OP FUEL GOOD DAY
Raises Awareness and Funds
For the third year in a row, several Co-ops in
Saskatchewan, recognized how important it
is for kids to participate in cultural activities
by raising funds for Creative Kids throughtheir annual Co-op Fuel Good Day. This
year on September 19, the Co-ops in North
Battleford, Norquay and Saskatoon raised
close to $18,000 for Creative Kids, as well as
raising awareness of the charity.
According to Andrea Lauder,communications manager, Saskatoon
Co-operative Association Limited, Creative
Kids aligned well with the Co-op’s funding
priorities, “We look to support ourcommunity, by finding the organizations
that give back to community – connecting
those in need with the resources that help
them. In this way, Creative Kids was a natural
fit for our support.”
Helping communities has always been apart of what the Co-op is about. Operating
as a co-operative, it is a jointly owned anddemocratically controlled business thatmeets the common economic, social andcultural needs of its members. All members
are owners and the Co-op gives a percentageof their profits back to members. Co-op
grocery stores and gas stations operate
across Western Canada.

“We are glad we
contributed to creative
programming for kids as
it gives kids such a healthy
way to explore their
imagination anddiscover new skills.”– Andrea Lauder
Recognizing the importance of giving back totheir communities, Fuel Good Day started in2017. During Fuel Good Day, Co-op donatesa minimum of five cents per litre of fuelpurchased at participating gas bars to local
charities and non-profits. Across Western
Canada over $4.2 million has been raisedsince the event began.
Gloria Walsh, manager, Creative Kids says,“Creative Kids is very grateful for all thepeople who purchased gas on Fuel Good
Day. Because of Co-op’s efforts, over $27,000
has been raised in the past two years, whichmeans many more kids in Saskatchewan canparticipate because the financial barriers

Fuel Good Days in Saskatchewan have raised $27,000 over the last two years. Photos courtesy of Gloria Walsh and Shawn Bauche.

14

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

were removed to their participation in anart or cultural activity. We thank these
local Co-ops for helping us give the lifechanging, positive growth and development
opportunities that activities such as dance,music, theatre and art give to kids.”
Lauder says they are very grateful andhumbled that they were able to help somany youth access funding. “We are glad
we contributed to creative programmingfor kids as it gives kids such a healthy way
to explore their imagination and discover
new skills. This helps build confidence
and supports the continued growth anddevelopment of well-rounded kids.”

fundraising

DANCE-A-THON RAISES FUNDS
so More Kids Can Participate

Dance-a-thon participants wait for the start of the event. Dance Innovations raised $7,000 through their Dance A Thon
2023 for Creative Kids. Photos courtesy of Tammy Kostersky.

For Tammy Kostersky teaching her students
the value of giving back to the community
is important. On March 25, 2023, Dance
Innovations held their annual Dance-A-Thonand raised $7,000 for Creative Kids so morechildren in Yorkton are able to experience
the benefits of dance.

Since 1997 Kostersky held an annual
performance event bringing community
members together raising funds for local
charities. By 2017, they began doing a yearlydance-a-thon. This past year, more than 30
dancers participated in the day-long event
after collecting pledges.

Kostersky says, since 2012 she’s seen over
100 students funded by Creative Kids takedance lessons at her studio. “We just feelit’s so important for all children, to havethe opportunity to feel the joy dance
offers. Supporting Creative Kids, is a way ofensuring that there are funds available in ourcommunity for other children who may wantto dance but don’t have the financial means
to do so.”After 28-years of teaching, Kostersky has
witnessed the many skills and benefits thatparticipation in dance develops in children.
She is happy the Dance-A-Thon funds will
help more children receive those benefits.
“They gain physical fitness skills and aconnection emotionally through movement.
Dance outside of school also offers students
the opportunity to connect and feel a senseof belonging to a team sharing common
interests. They develop confidence inthemselves as individuals. ”

She adds, “I also feel it is my responsibility
as a mentor to youth in our community to
guide them in knowing and connecting with
the needs in our community. Knowing thatthrough their efforts in the Dance-A-Thon,
they were able to raise funds so that otherchildren, maybe their dance friends, havean opportunity just like they do it’s very
powerful.”

She adds that raising funds for Creative Kids
has a positive impact, “I’m very proud andvery excited because I know the joy that achild feels when they leave the dance studio.
For more children to get to feel that simply
because we held a fun activity that was
focused on team and community,
that’s the dream.”“We just feel it’s soimportant for all children,to have that opportunity.
Supporting Creative Kids,
is a way of ensuring that
there are funds available
in our community for otherchildren who may want todance, but don’t have thefinancial means to do so.”–Tammy Kostersky

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

15

fundraising

TD’s Generous Support
Continues for Kids’
Creativity
THANKS to TD Bank Group’s ongoing supportof the Arts for Kids Matching campaign, Creative Kids surpassed
its 2023 goal and raised a total of $41,402! The funds raised will
support Saskatchewan children and youth’s participation increative pursuits.

Annual Race raises funds
for Creative Kids
THANKS to race participants for the $11,400 raised at the Ted Jaleta -10th
annual Royal Road Race in partnership with RCMP Depot celebrating the150th Anniversary of the RCMP. The funds raised will allow more kids toparticipate in life-changing creative activities.

Mexico Mágico
benefits
Creative Kids
On September 21, 2023, $19,000 was raisedat the inaugural Mexico Mágico event inRegina. THANKS to all the sponsors thatmade the night a success and contributed tomore children and youth in Regina accessing
creative and cultural activities.

16

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

fundraising

Donors stepped up to#JoinTheCKidsMovement
THANK YOU for giving the gift of creativity and changing
a life during during our Holiday Camapaign. SaskTel alongwith generous donors stepped up to match donations
on November 28th for Giving Tuesday. THANKS to yourgenerous support over the entire campaign a total $55,079
was raised!
Thank-you also to all the professional artists that helped
us get the word out about the benefits of arts and culturalactivities through their testimonials!

THANK YOU Harvard Mediafor supporting our fundraising events

Creative Kids Saskatchewan also THANKS
the Following Sponsors for their Generous Support:

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

17

CREATIVE KIDS’ COMMITTEES

We owe our volunteers a great deal for their hard work and for helping 1,300 children and youth access cultural activities this year.
Six volunteer committees review local applications in the Battlefords, Big River, Kindersley, Regina, and Saskatoon, and the Lakeland District
around Prince Albert. One Provincial Committee reviews all other applications in the province.

Provincial Committee

Applications from towns without a local committee are reviewed by the Provincial Committee.
Many thanks to Kerri Hill, Lindsay Manko-Bauche, and Jessica Elsaesser who review the provincial applications.

Rivers West District for Sport, Culture and Recreation
In the west, the Battlefords and Kindersley committees review local applications.
Thanks to Siobahn Gormely, Elaine Poirier, Cindy Tymoruski and Kerilyn Voigt who form the Battlefords Committee. Additional thanks to
Mei Shan Wan, Melanie Ward, Devon Coles, Lindsay Johnson, and Pam Sawatzky for their contributions to the Kindersley Committee.
We are also grateful to Chelsea Omness and the Town of Kindersley for Creative Kids administrative support.

RIVERS WEST DISTRICTFOR SPORT, CULTURE AND RECREATION
17 Biggar
2 Kindersley
23 Lloydminster
71 North Battleford
5
32
148

Turtleford
17 other communities
Total applications funded

FUNDED $58,086.13

NORTHERN SPORT CULTURE AND RECREATION DISTRICT
1

Creighton

FUNDED $750.00

18

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

r e g i o n a l i m pac t

Lakeland District forSport, Culture and Recreation
The Lakeland District Committee reviews applications from the Spiritwood, Prince Albert, Nipawin, andHudson Bay areas. Cheryl Bauer Hyde, Erin Standish, Crystal Clarke, Melissa Sisson, Erica Cochrane, andMarion Conway are the fantastic Lakeland volunteers.
The Big River Committee is within the Lakeland District and assesses local applications for Big River andarea. Many thanks to Paulette Atchison and Charlene Puddicombe for their impact in Big River this year.
Thanks to Crystal Clarke and the Lakeland District and Judy McLeod Campbell and the City of Prince
Albert for their dedication to helping kids in Prince Albert and area.

LAKELAND DISTRICTFOR SPORT, CULTURE AND RECREATION
4 Big River
5
5
5
135
7
22
183

Birch Hills
Canwood
Marcelin
Prince Albert
Tisdale10 other communities
Total applications funded

FUNDED $67,846.54

Saskatoon
The Saskatoon Committee members are Jacquie Thomarat, Jody Hobday, and Alex Brooks. Thanks tothem for their thoughtful conversations and meaningful contributions in Saskatoon.
Thanks to SK Arts for their continued partnership with Creative Kids and for lending us the amazing
Tracy Chudy year after year as the Creative Kids contact in Saskatoon. Thanks to Tracy for her considerate
approach and hard work.

362

Saskatoon

FUNDED $211,155.25

ReginaJessica Elsaesser, Alice Samkoe, Jason Sylvestre, and Don List are our wonderful Regina volunteers.
Thanks for their unparalleled passion and energy and for making an impact in the Queen City.

315

ReginaFUNDED $174,447.58

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

19

r e g i o n a l i m pac t

PRAIRIE CENTRAL DISTRICT FOR SPORT,CULTURE AND RECREATION (SASKATOON TO REGINA)
5
5
5
7
11
6
34
73

Bruno
DavidsonFort Qu’Appelle
Humboldt
RaymoreRegina Beach
12 other communities
Total applications funded

FUNDED $47,772.40

PARKLAND VALLEY
SPORT, CULTURE AND RECREATION DISTRICT
9
3
3
21
5
42
7
90

Foam Lake
Invermay
Ituna
Melville
Springside
Yorkton5 other communities
Total applications funded

FUNDED $42,036.80

SOUTH WEST DISTRICTFOR CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORT
5
5
25
6
10
10
61

Gravelbourg
Maple Creek
Moose Jaw
Shaunavon
Swift Current
6 other communities
Total applications funded

FUNDED $37,019.72

SOUTHEAST CONNECTION
SPORT, CULTURE AND RECREATION DISTRICT
7
5
10
23
20
15
80

Estevan
GrenfellIndian Head
Weyburn
Wolseley
10 other communities
Total applications funded

FUNDED $49,345.76
20

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

donors

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORSTITANIUM ($50,000 +)K+ S Potash Canada
Sask Lotteries Trust FundDIAMOND ($49,999 - $10,000)
Access Communications Children’s Fund
Canada Life
CN Saskatchewan Community Board
Elite Island Resorts
Harold Latrace Family & Associates Foundation
Harvard MediaRoyal Road Race Inc.
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority Inc.
Saskatoon Co-operative Association Limited

SaskTelSouth Saskatchewan Community Foundation:• Bill & Helen Davidson Foundation• Donald & Claire Kramer Foundation• Lyn Goldman Charitable Trust• Moffat Family Fund
• The Lorne & Evelyn Johnson Foundation
TD Canada Trust

PLATINUM ($9,999 - $5,000)
Affinity Credit Union - District Councils
Jo Bannatyne-Cugnet
Mo Bundon & Michelle Carr
CityTV Saskatchewan

Gibson Energy
R.J. Nelson Family Foundation
Scentsy Family Foundation
SK Arts

GOLD ($4,999 - $2,500)
Lexcom Systems Group Inc.
Hugh MacGowan

Micheal A. Riffel Catholic High School
RBC Dominion Securities

SILVER ($2,499 - $1,000)
Curtis Armstrong
CJTR Regina Community Radio
Discovery Co-Op
District 3 Escape Rooms
Do It with Class Young People’s
TheatreKevin & Diane EllPeter EnglandMarie Ferguson
Dawn Martin & David Forbes
Henderson Insurance Inc.
Dean & Sandra Kush
Michael Lavis
Ann Phillips
Rogers - CityTV

Saskatchewan Knights ofColumbus Charitable Foundation
Saskatchewan Network for Art
Collecting
Saskatoon Lions Club
SaskGaming - Casino Regina
Shaunavon Public School
Brian Stockton

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

21

donors

BRONZE ($999 - $500)
Iyanuoluwa Akinyemi
BASF Regina
Cheryl Bauer Hyde
Troy Bigalky
Cornerstone & Co. Real Estate Team
Dance Saskatchewan Inc.
Rose Gilks

Paula Haubrich
Honey Badger Sewer and Drain
Michael Jones
Janette Kelly
Norquay Co-Op
Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils
Jan Seibel and David Pattison
Kenton Peterson

Regina Symphony Orchestra
Rev Auto Group
Alex Rogalski
Rooted Living Designs Deigns
Nicola Straub
Murray Taylor
Gloria WalshSUPERSTAR ($499 - $250)
Assiniboia Gallery
Battlefords & District Chapter,
Superannuated Teachers of SK
Shawn Bauche
Beating Hearts First Aid
Debbie Bechard
Canadian Brewhouse
Sabrina Cataldo
Tara Leigh Heslip
Emmaline Hill

Ed Hobday
Dr. Jody Hobday
Family Plumbing & Heating
Kooler Refrigeration
Tammy Kostersky
Lisa McIntyre-The Optical Shoppe
Dean Murrison
Mohammad Nazari
Oluabusayo Osobade
Abiodun Oyelami

Joanne Rivers-Wing
Christine Ruys
Self Image Boutique
Sherwood Co-op Association Ltd
Christell Simeon
Stonefield Systems Group
Dr. Renatta Varma
Weber Supply Company Inc.
Lynne Yelich
Patti and Rob Zerr

ROCKSTAR ($249 - $100)
Jocelyn Anderson
Sharon Assman
Atlas Hotel
Rebekah Bailey
Phyllis Baker
Jeff Beaton - Madroot Creations
Biggar and District Arts Council
Coreen Bodnar
Kristie Bonstrom
Donna Bruce
Tammy Chen
City of Yorkton
Comfort Suites
Cornwall Centre
Faye Daborn
Karen M. Davidson
Chris Depko
Lorelie DeRoose
Detailz Spa
Adebanke Disu-Adebara
Susan Drader
Dubord Enterprises Ltd.
David Edney
Famoso Italian Pizzeria + Bar (Eastgate)
Donna Fehr
Sheena Folnovic
Catherine Folstad
Robert Hawkins & Marie France-Menc
Karen L. Frandsen
Freshco 8949 Sherwood & Queen
Fred & Evelyn GardinerDennis Garreck
Randy & Dianna Gervais
David Giffin
Mari Grobler-Level Up Escapes
22

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

Tracy Hamon
Corinne Harle
Stefanie Harrington
Russell & Sheila Hart
Sharon Haubrich
Hector’s Auto Body Ltd.
Joanne and Bryan Hillis
Elizabeth Hobday
Danielle Hoffart
Patti Hoffmann Means
Innate Body Therapies
Industrial Park Café
James Ingold
Shannon & Randy Iverson
Jal Holdings Inc
Shannon Jardine
Harry & Virginia Jedlic
JJ Entertainment Inc.
Joe Beeverz Canadian Pub
Leah & Darwin Knibbs
Laghos African Kitchenette
Kevin Korchinski
Norman & Hazel Lavoy
Shawn Lawless
Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
Lotteries and Gaming
Saskatchewan Corporation
Gwen Machnee
Maple Creek Music School
Nancy McBean
Joe W. McKeown
Roderick & Corrie McLeod
Dr. David & Anne Millar
Derry and Susan Millar
Montana’s

David G. Morin
Brent Nerenberg
Linda & John Nilson
Tim Oliva
Tracy Paridaen
Lynn Pawelko
Greg & Jane Pinch
Mark & Linda Reakes
Lidia Redekopp
Regina Little Theatre
Regina Pats Hockey Club
Regina Productos Latinos Store
Richardson Oilseed
Royal Hotel Regina
Saskatchewan Science Centre
Saskatchewan Parks & Recreation
Association
Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre
SaskMilk
SaskPower
Robin Schlaht
Chantelle Spokowski
David Stanchuk
Sticks & Doodles
Jeffery Straker
STREATS Quance Kitchen
Jason Sylvestre
Teppanyaki Japanese Steak House
Tommy’s Speakeatery
Victoria’s Tavern
Tami Wall
Winecraft Regina
Yorkton Film Festival
Geoffrey Zohnerdonors

RISING STAR (UNDER $100)
Joanne Aldag
Lindsay Allin
Rita AllinApplebee’s Southland
Heather Appleby
Tim Appleby
Rhonda Bailey
Eugenio Baraoidan Jr.
Jody Bartel
Jess Bartok
Anna Bekolay
Deanna Bergbusch
Bryan Berger
Kelsy Beuttner
Sonya Biblow
Kim Bircher
Joanna Borys
Erin Boychuk
Grace Bracewell
Dale Brock
Launa Bruce
Adele Buchinski
Jeff Bashutski
Kirby Buchinski
Vivian Buchinski
Ana Cristina Camacho
Val Cameron
Marilyn Card
David Carlaw
Dave Chaban
Joanne Conan
Aaron Coons
Lileas Cortes
Tracy Chudy
Wilma & David Chudy
Heather Cline
Brett Cottrill
Margaret & Tig Cummings
Karen DeLong
Chantel DeLorme
Jessica Dieter
Sally Dobko
Shauna & Randal Dolter
Kim Dorn
Rose-Marie Dornstauder
Philip Doucet
Cara Driscoll
Bojana Eberts
Dawn Eckert
Ron Ellert
Tanis Ellwood

Cassandra Endicott
Kris Evoy
Shelley Fayant
Helen Ferridge
Heather Fetch
Elyse Fisher
Tara Fisher
Bryan Foran
Chandra Frei
Laura French
Fresh & Sweet
Rachel Froh
Tanis Gaudry
Shannynne Gerish
Shauna Gervais
Deborah Griffith
Jennifer Giovannetti
Brian Gislason
Emily Gloade
Gomez Kitchen
Eric Goodman
Siobhan Gormley
Yvonne Gulka
Renee Haas
Colleen Haider
Lana Haider
Carrie Halbgewachs
Christopher Hall
Donna Hall
Paula Hamelin
Lisa Hanson
Brady Harland
Shelli Hau
Jared Hearn
Katrina Helfrick
Audrey Herman
James Herman
Jonathan Herman
Kyla Herman
Marc Herman
Leah Hermanson
Dallas Hesse
Tana Hoff
Katrina Hognerud
Brenda & Ashley Holowatuk
Lorin Hompoth
Connie Honan
Sheri Hornung
Lorraine Huber
Ben Hutchings
Carienne Hutchings

Gloria Hutchings
Miles Hutchings
Fawne Inkster
Crystal Jacobs
Kevin Joa
Ron Jones
Gwen Just
Elaine Kacsmar
Ron Kerr
Jaclyn Kilkenny
Karlie King
Chantel Kitchen
Ron Kitchen
Donna Kitzul
Nicole Knezacek
Maryna Korol
Brian & Leanne Kostyshyn
Fay Kostyshyn
Meagan Labash
Karen Lach
Dr. Mary Leggett
Kim Li
Riana Liebrecht
Dianne Liefso
Terrie Littman
Patti & Phil Lopinski
Kayla Love
Shawna Low
Kent Lukey-Filigree Patisserie
Daya Madhur
Grace Madson
Jonathan & Krista Malcolm
Jim Manovich
Rose Marchinko
Joel & Kristin Martinuk
Lynel Martinuk
Stephen & Jana Martinuk
Myron & Sara Matcyk
Neil Matechuk
Shelley Mazden
Milos Menhart
Todd McCleod
Michael McCloy
Brent McInnes
Ian McWilliams
Twyla Mensch
Heather Millar
James & Natalie Millar
Curtis Moen
Amy Monych
Fran Morphy
Jeff & Michelle Morley

Levi Morley
Jacqueline Murray
Tonia Myhra
Brittannie Naphin
Gwen Naphin
Chet Neufeld
Geralee Nicol
Irene Nehring
Donavon Nixon
Florence Nordick
Jordan Norstrom
Candace Northey
Joanne Obuck
Lamarr Oksasikewiyin
Kozue Okose
Gillian Oliva
Tanya Oliva
Deidre Onslow
Jolene Orthner
Chris P.
Sanjeeb Pandey
Cindy Patenaude
Matthew Pawlik
Vince Pawlik
Connie Perrault
Linda Perron
Kara Pinay
Pink Tree Specialty Shop
Kendra Pletz
Bhavinkumar Popat
Robert Purton
Carl Qu
Karlee Raiwet-The Alternative
Christine Regnier
Alida Remillard
Richardson Lighting
Kiana Rieger
Bonnie Roche
Romantic Nails & Spa
Kevin Ross
Robin Ruf
SaskEnergy
Donna Schick
Matt & Sharon Schikowsky
Brenda Schmidt
Susan Schneider
Danielle Sebulsky
Faye Sebulsky
Debra Shepherd
Madeline Sheridan
Kaitlin Sherven

Sandi Shewchuk
Don Shivak
Gail Simpson
Kara Sirke
Carla Skikewich
Jadene Smith
Lorrie Snook
Audrey Soucy
Southland Mall
St. John’s Ambulance
Dawn Stacey
Lois Steinke
Tammy Stevenson
Maria Stott
Jeff Swanson
Roger & Elaine Sylvestre
Tricia Sylvester
Rosalie Synk
Mandi Szabo
Taco Time Regina
Andrew Taylor
Sherry Talman
Bryce Thompson
Simone Tocher
Jennifer Toews
Sara Tokarz
Laurie L. Tomkins
Heidi Topliss
Jared Topliss
Traditions Handcraft Gallery
Terry Tyson
Craig Van Parys
Brandi Venne
Michelle Verhaeghe
Victoria Square Mini-Golf
Vintage Vinyl
Deb Ward
Lisa Washington
Jackie Weimer
Ryan Westburg
Nichole Williams
Jamie Wlock
Kevin Wlock
Christine Woodcock
Lacy Yaholnitsky
Yorkton Hyundai
Brenda Yusyk
Ethel Zapata
Sarah Zarazun
Jenny Zarowny
Susan Zeiler

C RE ATI V E K I DS PROG RES S RE P O RT 2023

23

THANK YOU
for supporting Creative Kids!
100% of your donation goes directly to helping kids in your community.
Donations over $20 are eligible for a charitable donation tax receipt.
Donate online at www.CreativeKidsSask.ca
Visit us at: 404-2125 11th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3X3
Or call our office at: 306-780-9361, 1-855-277-9469@CreativeKidsSaskatchewan@creativekidssask@CreativeKidsSK@creativekidssaskatchewan1955

Creative Kids Saskatchewan raises funds to remove financial barriers that prevent children and youth from participating in creative activities.
Participants can receive grants of up to $750 per year to allow inclusion in art and cultural activities.
To date, Creative Kids has granted over $6.66 million and helped 13,902 kids in 266 communities across the province.
Creative Kids Canada Inc. is a registered charity. #78725 7922 RR0001.

Creative Kids is a program of SaskCulture Inc., a community-based, non-profit cultural organization.