SPONSORED BY: THE GUELPH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Welcome to the Handbook for Recreation & Sports Activity in Guelph ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK This publication is produced by Community Information Guelph as part of its mission of enabling the development of individuals, by promoting wellbeing and the sense of belonging that comes with participating in community. Through funding provided by the Guelph Community Foundation we have been able to highlight the portion of our community information database that relates to recreation and sports groups in Guelph. As the impact of physical activity is increasingly understood to affect all aspects of human health, we hope this resource will offer an array of choices for residents of Guelph to pursue activities that contribute to their wellness and promote a caring and engaged community. In addition to the large, well-known non-profit sports and recreation groups in Guelph, we know there are many small groups, often run entirely by volunteers, which contribute incredible amounts of time and skill to govern, coach and organize opportunities for physical activity and participation. It is in the interest of promoting the value of all of these non-profit groups that this publication has been created. Knowing that information changes rapidly, we have also created an online view that displays the most up to date version of our information on these groups and programs. The staff and volunteers of Community Information Guelph at the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington work diligently to keep our information as current as possible. What is Included in this Handbook General information on how to access recreation Community groups that are likely to offer a variety of recreational opportunities for families and individuals Non-profit organized sports and recreation groups in Guelph What is Not Included in this Handbook Commercially based sports organizations Membership-based clubs and facilities Informally organized groups Sports and recreation groups located outside of the City of Guelph Professional or semi-professional sports organizations 2 OTHER RESOURCES TO USE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SPORTS AND RECREATION IN GUELPH: Guelph Community Guide www.guelph.ca Published twice per year, it provides information about recreation programs offered by the City of Guelph. Copies of the Guide are available from City-run facilities and a number of community outlets. They are also available for download from the website. Activity & Events Guide www.ventureguelph.ca Published four times per year, this Guide provides a calendar of events and information about a variety of community happenings including: festivals, sporting events, arts, culture, heritage, and children’s activities. Guelph-Wellington Access to Recreation Guide www.gwpoverty.ca A resource designed for those wishing to access physical activity opportunities in Guelph-Wellington that are low-cost/no cost. Disclaimer Inclusion in this Handbook does not indicate an endorsement by Community Information Guelph, nor does omission indicate an evaluation or comment on the quality of any program or organization. Acknowledgements Thanks to John Pritchard, Student Intern, and Geraldine Howitt, Database Assistant, for the research and editing of this Handbook. This project was funded by a grant from The Guelph Community Foundation. Design Support brought to you by 3 Financial Assistance & Subsidies Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington, Children's Foundation Grants Program provides financial assistance for children in low income families in Guelph and Wellington County so they can participate in sports, cultural and recreational activities. The program is child-focused with an emphasis placed on the child and family selecting the activity of their choice. Families can apply online via the website or contact the office for application forms. Sample activities funded include: a) Guitar, singing, violin or other music lessons b) Art classes, cartooning, pottery classes & camps, dance and cheerleading c) Soccer, swimming, tennis, baseball, martial arts, and hockey and other sports d) Day and overnight camps Program partners include the City of Guelph, County of Wellington, Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington, Jumpstart, Guelph Saultos, Guelph Minor Hockey Association, Guelph Soccer, Predators Puslinch Minor Soccer Club, Speed River TFC, Steve Potter Gift of Music and Pablo’s World of Cartoons. Season All year Phone: 519-826-9551; Toll Free: 1-877-826-9551 Contact: Laurie Lantaigne, Program & Operations Manager, Phone: 519- 826-9551 ext 21; Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.childrensfoundation.org How to apply: Online via the website or contact the office for application forms. Who can participate: Ages: 18 and under, low income families. Hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm How to Find Low Cost Sports Equipment * Thrift shops and second-hand stores may sell used sports equipment for reduced cost. * Some retail outlets offer sports equipment for reduced prices. For more information, consult the "Sports Goods" section of your local phone directory. * Some sports groups may offer equipment exchange programs on an as needed basis. Contact the group directly for more information. 4 Guelph. Community and Social Services, Recreation and Leisure Support Services Various supports to help those with disabilities access City programs. Services include: * One2One program: matches volunteers with children, youth and adults who require assistance to participate in City recreation programs and activities * Leisure Access Card (LAC): available to persons 18 years and older with a disability; entitles card holder to pay reduced rate for many Community Services courses/programs * Personal Assistant for Leisure Activities Card (PAL): for persons with disabilities who require assistance to attend City of Guelph recreation programs; PAL card issued to person with the disability to allow accompaniment by a friend/relative/support worker at no additional cost * Fee Assistance in Recreation Program (FAIR): for adults/seniors (with or without a disability) who live in Guelph and are unable to attend recreation programs due to financial constraints; discount can be used for a combination of passes, punch passes and classes Phone: 519-837-5618 * Accessibility Services 519-822-1260 ext 2670 Contact: Beth Bergevin, Clerical Assistant (for PAL and LAC inquiries), City of Guelph; Phone: 519-822-1260 ext 2042; Email: [email protected] Website: guelph.ca Who can participate: Each program has eligibility requirements Supporting Kids in Camp Provides children with disabilities the opportunity to attend a community camp program of their choice within Guelph and Wellington County. It links eligible children with trained support counselors, and works with community camp staff to increase their understanding, acceptance of, and ability to work with children with disabilities. PHONE: 519-821-8089 ext 205 CONTACT: Tiffany Fagan, Respite and Inclusion Support E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.trellis.on.ca/en/ WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: Ages: 5 - 18 5 Neighbourhood Groups Brant Avenue Neighbourhood Group An organization of community members committed to building and sustaining the neighbourhood group, strengthening individuals and families, and ensuring healthy growth and development for every child. Programs include: Food & Nutrition: monthly collective kitchen * emergency food pantry *snack program for school age children * free bread - every Tuesday * Garden Fresh Box program * weekly coffee hour Programs for Children & Youth: preschool programs * child after school and youth and teen drop-in programs * summer day camp Other Community Supports: free or low cost recreation activities for families * seasonal community events * referrals and advocacy Women's Yoga class on Monday * Family Zumba class on Wednesday TIMES: *Coffee hour on Friday 9am-10:30am at Brant Avenue Public School PHONE: 519-821-9243 CONTACT: Lynne Kloostra, Neighbourhood Support Worker E-MAIL: [email protected] WHO CAN Neighbourhood residents PARTICIPATE: Office: Tue-Thu 9am-12noon, 1pm-3pm * Food Cupboard Tue-Thu HOURS: 1-3pm Exhibition Park Neighbourhood Group Keeps residents aware of what is happening in the neighbourhood group through a newsletter sent by email. Also available on their Facebook Page and website. Programs: * 2 week summer camp at the end of August * Pick up Soccer * Community Back Pack Program * Holiday Bureau Hamper Program * Community Gardens at Victory School and GCVI * Community Voices - Poverty Elimination Task Force 6 TIMES: Leadership Meeting - Third Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm Event Planning Meetings - Picnic in the Park and Winterfest, Park Walk, Skate with Santa Other groups include: Special Events Committee, Finance Team / NSC Allocation Team, Leadership Team. Commitment for these groups is about 2 hours a month. PHONE: 519-767-5750 Barb McPhee, Neighbourhood Support Coordinator; Phone: * 519-767- CONTACT: 5750 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.exhibitionparkneighbourhood.ca HOURS: Office: Tue, Thu 9am - 2pm Grange Hill East Neighbourhood Group Addresses concerns and needs of residents and builds community among neighbours. * Community events and programs for all ages including summer and march break camps, after-school programs, Craft & Game club, Thursday Tots, Mocha Mornings, Parent/Child Place, Caregivers' Playgroup, Family Movie Night, REACH for youth, REACH dances, GRIP for young girls, REACH Ping Pong,