Pay less to play more

It’s commonly known that when children are enrolled in extracurricular activities, their social skills and academic performance improve. However, finding the time and money for these activities can be difficult, especially for single parents.

According to Solutions Research Group (SRG), the average Canadian family spends around $1,000 annually on after-school activities per child. A 2011 Statistics Canada census found the average income of single-parent families is around $45,100, while two-parent families make more than double that on average.

“I wish I could afford to enrol my son in whatever he wants. The cost of registration and equipment is far too expensive,” said Ed Osler, a single father from Baxter, Ont.

He said his “energetic” 10-year-old son, Jacob, is passionate about soccer and baseball, but golf is his favourite.

“He loves golf and he’s pretty good at it for his age. I think if I could afford to enrol him he’d get even better at it,” he said. “I don’t want him to lose out.”

David Carr-Harris is the executive director of KidSport, a charity dedicated to ensuring organized sports are accessible to all children across Canada. He said there are ways that single parents can afford to enrol their children.

“There are fantastic programs and charities willing to take some of the financial burden off their back and pay for the activities,” he said.

He mentioned KidSport’s grant program and Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program. Both provide financial assistance to eligible families for the registration and/or equipment costs of over 80 different activities. These include hockey, dance and summer camp.

To be eligible for the grant, a child has to be less than 18 years of age and their parent must meet an income criterion proven through financial documentation, he said.

He added that the requirements are based on Revenue Canada’s low-income cut-off and vary based on location.

For parents looking to venture outside of traditional organized sports and activities, there are a number of single-parent support groups that hold

weekly and monthly events. Among these groups is the One Parent Family Association (OPFA).

“We hold everything from weekly volleyball games to baseball tournaments to weekend camping trips and groups skating at Toronto’s city hall,” said OPFA president Dennis Chadbourne.

He said the group, which been around for 50 years, has a $50 annual membership fee that covers the costs of most activities. He added those that aren’t covered are subsidized and less expensive.

“One of our chapters organized a glow-in-the-dark mini-golf tournament, which cost $5 per parent member and children were free,” he said.

Chadbourne said the group activities are unique because they allow single-parent families who have similar experiences to support one-another while having fun.

“Single parents and their children deserve a chance to relax,” he said. “The amount of money in their pocket shouldn’t dictate that.”

The toll extracurricular activities take on single parents’ wallets isn’t they only issue they face; it’s hard to find the time with their busy schedules.

“I work 14-hour days so by the time I get home it’s pretty late and I’m exhausted,” said Osler, who works as a freight relocation specialist in the trucking industry.

He said an average day of work sees him all over Ontario, including Waterloo and Ottawa.

“Sometimes it’s an issue of getting him there because I’m tired and I’m constantly on the go,” he said. “We always find a way to make it work, but it’s really hard.”

Landon French, the executive director of Jumpstart, said transportation is a common concern among single parents inquiring about their program.

“We frequently get calls from parents who say aside from the money aspect, they can’t get their child to the camp or game,” he said. “We’re usually able to tell them, yes you can.”

With help from city chapters and volunteers, French said Jumpstart organizes transportation for children in the program who would otherwise be unable to get to their activities. He said it often comes in the form of a group bus or volunteer driver.

“We do our best to accommodate every child’s needs,” he said.

“Having fun, making friends and being active shouldn’t be a luxury. Every family deserves the opportunity.”

#Advice #Sports #Activities #Singleparents