Jan

25

We’re always both excited and incredibly grateful when we get a call that somebody has a donation for Kids Up Front. Yesterday afternoon, we got the call that there was a big cheque – literally – for us to pick up today. The Young Activists Committee (YAC), part of the AUPE, donated $1148.30, so we were so pleased to be able to meet and thank them in person.The most heart-warming part of the visit, though, was when one of the group members shared her story with us: growing up, she had been part of a social services program and had received tickets from Kids Up Front, and expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the program. Loved that she shared that with us, and love that she’s now giving back. And this is exactly why we do what we do.

Jan

20

Best of luck to one of our favourite teams, The Edmonton Rush, as they kick off their season at home tonight. Between The Rush, Northlands and The Brick, we have over 250 season tickets to be able to send a lot of Edmonton and area youth and families to cheer on our favourite lacrosse players.

Jan

17

It’s not uncommon for people to associate ticket donation for kids mostly with sporting events, perhaps with a smattering of concert tickets thrown in for good measure. The truth of the matter is that there are so many events that kids love to take in that aren’t just limited to sports and concerts. Kids Up Front has been so fortunate to have the generous support of CIBC for our CIBC Theatre For All program. Through this program, we are able to offer local children tickets to a number of live arts productions. What’s sure to be a stand-out favourite for many of our kids this season the Seussical The Musical, presented by The Citadel Theatre, one of our founding partners in the CIBC Theatre For All program.

Not only did The Citadel provide 300 tickets over 7 performances during this show’s run, they also arranged for a special artist talk-back event after each performance with the groups that we sent. Being able to see a show that was produced specifically for children along with a sit-down with the performer afterwards certainly will be something that those kids will remember fondly for some time to come.

Jan

03

Wishing all our supporters a wonderful 2012! Special thanks to one of our biggest supporters, Northlands, for arranging a suite for some of our kids to experience the excitement at the World Juniors last week!

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Dec

30

A couple of lucky kids we sent to the game tonight not only got to experience an exhilarating hockey game, they also met a very special guest while they were there…

Dec

08

We are positively giddy with excitement this morning after learning that we will be receiving 100 tickets to the World Juniors games in Edmonton. The Government of Alberta, through Honourable Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Culture and Community Services, has very generously donated ten tickets to each of the games being held in Edmonton. Thank you really doesn’t cover the extent of our gratitude for this incredibly benevolent gift which will open up what is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of our kids.

It is truly an honor to work with Minister Klimchuk and culture and community services to give disadvantaged youth the opportunity to experience Edmonton’s dynamic arts, culture, sports and entertainment scene; thank you for your belief in Kids Up Front Foundation.

On the same topic, we welcome any ticket donations to the World Juniors. Don’t forget, the timing of the Edmonton games is perfect for you to donate and still receive your tax receipt (for face value of ticket price) for the 2011 year. No need to leave a seat empty if you can’t use it – donate your tickets to us and get a tax receipt for yourself… everybody wins! Due to the timing of the World Juniors games around the holiday season, we are encouraging people to donate their tickets electronically if at all possible, in order for us to get them out to our agency partners in the most timely and efficient manner. Thanks for thinking of us!

Dec

07

We are loving one of the initiatives that the Oil Kings have taken on this year, with a little help from a couple of big names. JLT Canada donated 50 tickets to each home game for the Edmonton Oil Kings this year; Ryan Smyth, an ardent supporter of the local community and junior hockey, got on board as well to create Smitty’s Soldiers, a block of 3 rows in section 110 at Rexall Place to be distributed to charitable organizations serving youth and families. We are looking forward to being able to distribute these tickets to all of our partner agencies so everyone can have a chance to take in some great live hockey this season. Thanks for working with us, Oil Kings!

Dec

06

Did you catch us on Breakfast Television last week? In case you missed it, check out the video here. The kids were so excited to be there with us; thank you so much to CityTV for having us all on!

Kids On The Road at Breakfast Television

Dec

05

We can hardly believe December is already upon us; what a great year 2011 has been. We’ve been able to provide so many wonderful opportunities and experiences for kids here in Edmonton this year, and would like to thank all of our generous donors for their support in making that happen. As we head into the busy holiday season, you may find your social schedule filling up quickly… please remember us if you can’t use your tickets this holiday season. Instead of empty seats, you can give the gift of an event experience to an Edmonton child or family. Take a look at some of our 2011 shining moments.

Dec

02

When people hear about Kids Up Front Foundation, they often associate it with the tickets we are able to deliver to Edmonton and area youth. But we’re so much more than that! For the past 2 years, we’ve been so fortunate to have been able to provide a road trip experience as well. Kids On The Road is an experience that enables groups of kids to experience a road trip bus tour through southern Alberta and many of its highlights. Catch some of the experience for yourself here in this video: