Thank You to Our REAL Donors

Thank you to Lester’s Farm who provided a generous $19,000 donation from Pumpkin Fest proceeds. Our community partners are critical to ensure that we can continue to provide recreation opportunities to youth in our community.

The REAL Program would like to thank Universal Corporate Wear (UCW) for raising $3,200 through the sale of shirts for Pink Shirt Day. Universal Corporate Wear donated $1 for every t-shirt sold to REAL which resulted in supporting over 50 children.

This is the second year UCW have supported the REAL Program with the Pink Shirt Campaign. In 2021, they raised $3,115 for REAL with a two-year total of $6,315.

 “Community outreach is a great way to connect with people and learn about the great work local organizations and nonprofit charities are bringing to the community,” says Lynn Hindy with Universal Corporate Wear. UCW has also supported the REAL Program for several years by providing sporting equipment for participants.

VOCM Cares Foundation recognizes the importance of the REAL program in providing recreational and leisure activities for youth, regardless of a family’s financial situation. Ensuring open access to such opportunities and removing the financial burden for families allows the focus to be on the child’s health and well-being. VOCM Cares Foundation is proud to support this important program and help be there for local families.

The Kiwanis Club of St. John’s is pleased to financially support the REAL Program. Our club is part of the Kiwanis International organization, which is dedicated to improving the world, one child, one community at a time. By supporting the REAL program we can assure that children can participate in meaningful, organized and varied recreational programs which will enhance their social, physical and mental development.

In keeping with these goals our club also supports the Boys and Girls Club and the Kids Eat Smart program. Our signature project is the annual St. John’s Kiwanis Music Festival. We would be delighted to welcome new members to our club so that we can provide more service to the children of the St. John’s area.

“United Way Newfoundland and Labrador is extremely proud to a longtime supporter of the REAL Program. The UWNL mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. The REAL program aligns perfectly within the UWNL funding pillar All That Kids Can Be by providing recreation and leisure opportunities through the provision of program and financial assistance to as many children as possible, who, due to financial circumstances, are unable to participate in registered activities. REAL is an invaluable program that helps break down barriers by covering the cost of registration fees and providing transportation and equipment to families in need. This program is a vital part of community life as it gives many children a great understanding in realizing their true potential. UWNL provided funding 11 years since 2005 totally over $87,000.”

Each year Fortis invests in programs and services that support stronger communities. As part of their community investment program, they donated $1,500 to the REAL Program in 2020. The REAL Program is thankful for these funds as they will support 15 children and youth throughout the winter 2021 season.

The Paradise Running Club supported the REAL Program with a donation of $1,000 in 2020. These funds will support 10 children and youth with their recreational endeavors. Thank you Paradise Running Club! 

"Providing the opportunity to participate in recreation and leisure activities is vital to the health and well-being of children and youth in our communities. The REAL program ensures that children and youth are given this opportunity no matter their financial situation. It is for this reason that Bell Aliant continues to be a proud, founding sponsor of the REAL program".

"The Cal LeGrow Foundation is proud to support the REAL program! Providing the recreational placements that are so desperately needed by young people in the city of St. John's".

The REAL Program would like to thank the Murrin's family for their generous donation of $1000.

When Sherry Murrin's son Justin was tragically killed in a car accident, the family searched for meaning. While nothing can take away the deep sadness, the family have found joy donating to REAL from "Justin's Birthday Bash".

"Our son loved children and we know he would be thrilled to help other kids. As an employee of the City of St. John's I know first-hand how this program works and I see the good work that my co-workers do. I also get to experience the smiles on the children's faces when they get to participate in a program which for some was only a dream."- Sherry Murrins

During the 201st Royal St. John's Regatta the beer tent was operated, for the first time ever, by the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Brewers Association. The REAL Program was delighted to be one of groups that received a donation from the NL Craft Brewers Association. The $2520.21 donation provided 25 placements for local children and youth.