Anglican Foundation Launches "Says Yes! to Kids" Campaign

The Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) has launched a $100,000 fundraising campaign in support of post-pandemic programs for children, youth, and young adults in Canada. “Say Yes! to Kids” will run from April 5 to June 30, marking the 10th anniversary of the Kids Helping Kids Fund. The campaign will be supported by a variety of fundraising initiatives including an online peer-to-peer program designed to engage youth advocates nationwide.

“At AFC we have heard the growing concern about COVID-19’s potential long-term impact on children and youth,” says Judy Rois, AFC Executive Director. “We want to mobilize Canadian Anglicans to respond courageously, creatively, and compassionately to emerging needs.” Rois says she is deeply concerned about young people who are facing setbacks due to school disruptions, the absence of recreational activities, and the loss of the depth and variety of in-person relationships with peers, extended family, and caring adults in the community.

“Through this campaign AFC will fund initiatives that help young people rise above cycles of poverty and hardship,” says Canon Rois. “With the support of Canadian Anglicans, we will invest in a brighter future with better learning outcomes, diverse enrichment opportunities, improved health and well-being, and restored faith and community connections.”

Even as health and social policy experts continue to count pandemic-related losses for children and youth, Canon Rois urges Canadian Anglicans not to feel helpless or powerless. Rois says AFC will rely on the strength of its granting program to quickly turnaround campaign proceeds by funding a Request for Proposals (RFP) for youth-focused initiatives in fall 2021.

“The past decade has given AFC a hopeful view of our church’s capacity to support outreach to young people,” says Rois. “We have seen how resources can be used through people and partnerships to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and youth.”

Since 2011, Kids Helping Kids, has helped children, youth, and young adults in Canada with a range of needs, from hospice care to homework clubs to breakfast programs and summer camps.

Donate to the "Say Yes! to Kids" campaign, or email the AFC for more information.