One in three children in Canada do not get the chance to play in organized sports because of financial constraints. For the eighth consecutive year, KidSport has launched its annual Give the Gift of Sport fundraising campaign, calling on Canadians to donate money for children whose families can’t afford sporting activities.

The campaign, which runs until January 6, is aiming to raise $250,000. The money will pay for registration fees for kids from underprivileged families in more than 100 different sports across Canada.

“Sport can do so many great things,” says Bryan Ezako, Manager at KidSport Canada. “It has ties with mental health, physical well-being, growth and development of self esteem, social skills, and so much more,”

Since its creation in 1993, KidSport has given more than 825,000 kids the chance to play a sport by paying for registration fees and equipment.

The organization gives funding to 177 chapters across the country, both in local communities and provincially, and has given over $75 million in grants since its inception.

Donors can choose whether to donate to KidSport nationally, provincially or to a specific community chapter. While there is currently only a provincial chapter for Quebec, KidSport is working on opening more local chapters in the near future. Corporate and tribute donations are also an option; you can make a donation in honour, memory, or celebration of someone.

For more information, visit kidsportcanada.ca.