Farid, aged 8, loves Moorelands Kids’ BLAST after-school program!
He’s been attending since Grade 1 and according to his mom, Zahab, BLAST has become a pretty big part of his world:
“Farid loves being a part of Moorelands! He loves all his friends and the warm and encouraging environment. He is so full of energy and he loves the opportunity to take part in different crafts and games!”
When COVID-19 forced us all to lock down in mid-March, Zahab was so grateful that Moorelands Kids’ support for her son continued almost immediately – our programs were transformed and running online within two weeks.
“The virtual meetings have been a wonderful experience for Farid,” she explains, “it has been so isolating. As an only child, it has been especially important that he can connect with other people. Right now he is doing online school – everything is so different at the moment but thanks to your programs he still gets to see friends and interact with kids of different ages. The Moorelands Kids’ staff are so nice, they really make everyone feel welcome and happy. It makes everything less stressful.”
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated the long-existing inequities in our city. Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park, where our BLAST after-school programs take place, are some of Toronto’s hardest hit neighbourhoods. While the reasons why are unclear, according to data from Toronto Public Health and ICES[1], communities like these that are home to lower income people, new immigrants and racialized Canadians face a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.[2]
It’s a situation that can be tough on parents but Zahab is grateful that Farid is so resilient. “I’ve been overwhelmed by his understanding and thoughtfulness. It was difficult to explain why he couldn’t go to school and play with his friends, but he has been so considerate of the rules and is trying his best to help any way he can.”
Zahab is grateful too for Moorelands Kids’ support in such trying times. “These are his formative years – a crucial time in his life and education that is being disrupted. But everything you do at Moorelands helps so much – it’s the social building up of character and important relationships. I’m so impressed by the way your staff interact with the kids – taking the time to hear their concerns and teaching them about all the Habits and Qualities like responsibility. When they see it demonstrated at Moorelands it becomes ingrained in their understanding and they can take it away with them and show other kids too!”
At Moorelands Kids, we understand that the necessary continuing social distancing measures are hard on our kids. Our programs are staying the course to keeping the connections – and our kids – strong…but we need your support to do so.
On #GivingTuesday, December 1st, Farid and his friends at BLAST will be giving back to their community by giving the gift of laughter! Learn more about the #GivingTuesday efforts of kids in our after-school programs.
And you can get involved too!
On Giving Tuesday – December 1st – your gift to Moorelands Kids WILL BE MATCHED by the Ward Family Foundation up to $30,000!
Donate on #GivingTuesday, and join Farid, his friends at BLAST and the Ward Family Foundation as we all work together to support our community. Your donation will keep kids connected to our fun skills-building programs, equipping them with the experiences, qualities and skills they need to succeed and thrive as happy and healthy caring citizens. Thank you!
[1] https://www.ices.on.ca/Newsroom/News-Releases/2020/ICES-releases-up-to-date-COVID-19-testing-dashboards-to-the-public
[2] https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/covid-19-status-of-cases-in-toronto/