One little ticket, one big lift

About Us

History
It all started with a simple idea! Back in 1999, Kids Up Front founder, John Dalziel, was at a sporting event in Calgary and found himself surrounded by empty seats. He thought, “Geez, those seats are probably paid for, what a shame to let them go empty! Wouldn’t it be neat, if somehow, those seats could be given to kids that wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to attend?!”

Today, John’s simple idea, continues to yield powerful results for kids across Canada! Kids Up Front Foundations are located in 4 major Canadian cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto, and together, we’ve granted more than 785,500 donated event tickets valued at 22 million dollars! Thanks, John, for not letting your brilliant light bulb moment go dim!

National Mission
To provide access to arts, culture, sports and recreation to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity.

National Vision
one little ticket, one big lift

Our Guiding Principles
Kids Up Front Foundation as a charitable society is committed to operating with the highest integrity and in a fiscally responsible manner compliant with Imagine Canada’s Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code

Kids Up Front Foundation as a community service organization is dedicated to:

  • Enhancing the quality of life for socially and economically disadvantaged children and families and making a lasting positive impact on their lives by providing safe, quality entertainment, cultural, educational and recreational experiences
  • Developing solid partnerships with qualified agencies devoted to improving the welfare of Canadian children and families
  • Building meaningful relationships with all stakeholders of the Foundation
  • Delivering programs that promote healthy relationships, social inclusion and tolerance of gender, race, religion, culture and sexual orientation in a manner that is fair and equitable for all participants