Water bottle giveaways unify children in after-school care
For kids in The Nook Children’s Program, the end-of-day school bell means fun and perhaps more learning in a safe place.The Nook fills that need with a variety of programming. And they use water bottle giveaways to help the children feel like a team.
Bridging the gaps between home, school and community
Since 1996, The Nook in Toronto, Ontario, has offered support and resources for children ages 5-12 and their parents. The organization offers free after-school care that includes confidence-building and creative programming in addition to other community-based programs and opportunities.
Last year, the Nook served over 1,200 children, many of whom are new to Canada and come from low-income and single-parent households.
Programs for every need
Through the organization, children build confidence, physical fitness, creative skills and more. “We have a girl’s group that gives girls a safe space to talk,” said group facilitator Dionne Adamson-Hamilton. “We also run a boy’s group, and there are arts and sports programs. The kids are also in a tutoring program run by the University of Toronto where volunteers come in and work with the kids once per week.”
Summer fun with water bottle giveaways
In addition to the after-school program, The Nook also offers a low-cost summer camp with age-appropriate fun and field trips. The Nook provides a low-fee camp to children ages 4-13. Children participate in a variety of summer activities, including art, sports, swimming, gardening, cooking programs and social justice-based programs.
As a recipient of a 4imprint one by one®grant, The Nook will offer water bottle giveaways, similar to h2go®trek Aluminum Bottles, to all of the children in their summer program.
“The kids will be able to brand the bottle with their names when they take them on outings,” Adamson-Hamilton said. “Every day they go out and about, and this gives them a way to carry their own water bottle.”
And the bottles don’t just provide hydration. “It also gives them a sense of belonging and ownership, because everyone has the same bottle that makes them part of the group,” Adamson-Hamilton said. “And then they get to decorate and personalize them as well, and the kids will love that.”
A note from Cheryl:
Water on a hot day is always appreciated, but knowing that these water bottle giveaways will provide children with a sense of community makes 4imprint truly happy to have been able to help via our one by one grant program. For more information, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.