NEWS RELEASE
Canucks for Kids Fund Boosts I·SPARC’s RISE Program with Major Investment
Traditional Territory of the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) Tribes, Duncan B.C. (May 14, 2026) – The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is proud to announce a $75,000 contribution from the Canucks for Kids Fund (CFKF) in support of the continued growth of the RISE (Resilient, Inspire, Strength & Engage) Grant Program.
The RISE Grant Program helps children and youth in and from government care access sport, physical activity, recreation, and cultural opportunities by offsetting program fees, equipment, and travel costs. The program is delivered in partnership with the Province of British Columbia. I∙SPARC’s involvement is directly linked to priorities established within its provincial strategy and the commitment to reduce the unique barriers Indigenous children and youth face within B.C.’s child welfare system.
In British Columbia, nearly 5,000 children and youth are currently in government care, while thousands more who have transitioned out of the system continue to experience its lasting impacts. Children and youth who are in, or have been, in care face distinct barriers to participation in sport, physical activity, recreation, and cultural programming including transient home environments, higher rates of mental health challenges, and social isolation, often putting these opportunities out of reach. Cost remains the most substantial impediment to participation, underscoring the vital role the RISE Grant Program plays in making activities more accessible and fostering connection, confidence, and well-being.
“We are deeply grateful to the Canucks for Kids Fund for their support with the RISE Grants; a program that is consistently in high demand throughout B.C.,” said Rick Brant, I·SPARC CEO. “This investment directly supports children and youth in and from care, ensuring they have access to opportunities that foster belonging, resilience, and growth.”
“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity—not only for the health benefits, but for the confidence, connection, and life skills they build along the way,” said Michael Doyle, President, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Business Operations, and President, Canucks for Kids Fund. “We’re honoured to support I-SPARC’s community sport programming and help create more accessible opportunities for Indigenous communities across BC.”
“Every child deserves the chance to be active and play sport, no matter where they live or their financial situation,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We are so proud to partner with I∙SPARC to ensure that Indigenous children and youth in B.C.’s child welfare system are given equal opportunities to participate in sport and recreation programs. Thank you to the Canucks for Kids Fund for their generous support of the RISE Grant Program and for investing in our province’s young people.”
Beyond this contribution, the Vancouver Canucks organization has been a strong partner to Indigenous communities and I·SPARC across community sport programming. This includes support offered through the Junior Canucks Floor Hockey Program and on-ice clinics, which often take place in rural and remote communities. Most recently, over 40 Indigenous youth were welcomed to attend a Canucks practice during a visit to Vancouver, which for many was their first time watching professional hockey in-person.
Together, these investments and partnerships are creating meaningful pathways for Indigenous youth to thrive. I·SPARC remains committed to expanding opportunities that foster connection, confidence, and well-being. The organization looks forward to building on this momentum alongside its partners in the years ahead.
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About the Canucks for Kids Fund
The Canucks for Kids Fund dedicates resources to assist charities which support children’s health and wellness, education, social impact programming, and the development of grassroots hockey throughout British Columbia. Thanks to the generosity of our fans, donors, players, employees and sponsor partners, the Canucks for Kids Fund has granted over $115 million to charities in British Columbia over the last 40 years.
About the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is a provincial organization established with the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families, and communities. The programs and services delivered by I·SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, physical activity, and recreation in First Nations communities, Métis Chartered Communities, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout British Columbia.
For more information, please visit: www.isparc.ca
