– OUR FOUNDATION –
CJ’s SKATEPARK FOUNDATION is a registered Canadian and American charity dedicated to the development of all children and youth through the benefits of skateboarding, scooter riding and inline skating, and making these sports accessible to everyone by:
- preventing youth delinquency, addiction, substance abuse or mental illness through sports or activities;
- improving and building self-confidence, self-esteem, emotional stability and well-being;
- promoting physical activity, fitness and a healthy lifestyle through sports;
- eliminating physical, psychological and financial barriers which prevent youth with special needs from participating in sports or activities, including those with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Asperger’s syndrome, Autism, Blind, Vision impaired ,Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Deaf, Down syndrome, Dyslexia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other learning disabilities or any other challenge one may have.
Each year, we have over 150,000 kids participate in the programs we offer who come from various parts of the GTA and surrounding area. Our mandate is to never turn a child away – whether they need specialized one-on-one instruction, have physical, emotional, behavioural and/or medical challenges, or simply cannot afford skateboarding equipment and skatepark fees. We have and will always accommodate anyone in need.
CJ’S SKATEPARK FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
Kids Being Kids
Sponsored by CIBC, Kids Being Kids is a free program that invites kids and their families to enjoy all CJ’s SKATEPARK has to offer, including scooters, knee-slides, a foam pit, Sony PlayStation room, arts & crafts and, of course, skateboarding. Kids can try skateboarding or scootering, meet superheroes, snuggle therapy dogs and enjoy a pizza lunch.
Special Needs Lessons
We offer subsidized lessons for those with special needs focused on improving flexibility, dexterity, balance, and fine motor skills. Our Special Needs Program has been offered to youth with Autism, Down syndrome, Deaf, Blind or Partially sighted, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, Dyslexia and other learning disabilities or any other challenge one may have.
Youth Mentorship Program
Each year, our skatepark staff mentors a number of at-risk youth instilling confidence, values, and challenging youth to become leaders in the community. For interested youth, we also show them the administrative side of what it takes to run a skatepark, events, and contests so that they can gain and build on skills that will later serve them in the workforce.
Subsidized camps and lessons for low-income families
Our mission is to serve all kids and youth in the community and share the remarkable benefits of training all children in the sport of skateboarding. As such, we offer camp and lesson scholarships to those in need. Scholarships are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Our programs would not be made possible with the support of our sponsors and donors. Help us continue to make skateboarding accessible to everyone by donating to our Foundation.
Registered Charitable Organization No. 846549632RR0001
*Charitable donation receipt will be automatically issued.
Contributions are deductible for Income Tax Purposes within the limits prescribed by law. For more info visit the Canada Revenue Agency at the website below
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/chrts/prtng/rcpts/whtnf-eng.html
For more information on CJ’s SKATEPARK FOUNDATION, please contact Jay Mandarino, President & Founder at [email protected] or call 416-588-0808 ext. 232