Kids Up Front Background & Founding Directors
Background
In 1999, when Kids Up Front founder, John Dalziel was surrounded by empty seats at a world-class event, he knew there had to be a way to get kids into those seats who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to attend. John took his idea to a group of business minded individuals, the Kids Up Front idea was launched in 2000, under the leadership of Barb Radu, Executive Director.
Kids Up Front created partnerships with child-serving charitable agencies, who in turn select the ticket recipients from within their programs. By implementing a program that wraps a process around tickets "in" and tickets "out," including quality control measures, Kids Up Front is able to distribute tickets fairly and efficiently to thousands of kids. While Kids Up Front's partner agencies provide food, shelter, clothing and counselling, Kids Up Front provides the nourishment of the spirit.
"These experiences are so far beyond what many of these kids ever dreamed, says Barb Radu, founder and executive director. "But are the very things that so many kids are missing -- an opportunity to have fun, spend quality time with family, mentors or peers, and just enjoy being a kid, if only for a few hours."
The founding directors never have looked at a "ticket" in the same way again! The tickets are the healing tools that can build trusting relationships, grow self esteem, enhance socialization and strengthen a family.
Kids Up Front is providing so many unique opportunities! Kids are attending sporting events, theatre productions, concerts, theme parks and world-class events! And, they're having first-ever vacations out of town, horseback riding, experiencing VIP treatment with celebrity sports figures whether skating or experiencing a mini Olympic event. Kids Up Front kids are participating in hands-on museum exhibits, drama and singing camps. The best news? The list of opportunities continues to grow! See Programs for a list of our entertainment partners.
Founding Directors
John Dalziel, Barb Radu, David Spencer, Jamie Miley, Kent Richardson, Kerry Dyte, and Avril Karr.
Messages from the Founding Directors
"In the fall of 1999, a friend and I sat in the front row of a world-class event on complimentary tickets. We had a great time. I looked around and saw so many empty seats and I knew that those seats had been paid for and that those tickets were probably in somebody's desk. I was determined to fill those seats with kids and their families that wouldn't normally have a chance to go. I pulled a few of my friends together, and we incorporated the Kids Up Front Foundation of Alberta. Simple concept. Powerful results! Vicki, my wife, and I now live in Vancouver. I am still very active in the governance of the Kids Up Front Foundation (Vancouver)."
- John Dalziel, Founder Director
"In 1999, when my friend John shared his GOOD idea with me, what I didn't realize at that time was what a GREAT idea it really was. I sure do now! John's idea wasn't lost on a dusty shelf, together we created a passionate board of directors and implemented the programs. I believed so strongly in the work we were about to embark on, that I left my corporate job to become the Foundation's first Executive Director. What I didn't know in the beginning was the impact our programs would have on kids and families. Now I see first-hand what incredible healing tools these tickets really are. We are affecting the lives of so many Canadians in such a positive ways.. We have learned that the development of self esteem and shared family experiences can add quality of life, inspiring hope and dreams. I believe that where there is an unused event ticket, there is a child that could really benefit. My vision is to have a Kids Up Front Foundation's program in communities all over North America. My biggest dream, is to see our programs around the world! "
- Barb Radu, Founder, National & Calgary Executive Director
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