Thank You RBC

"Christie Lake Kids program teaches disadvantaged youngsters skills, self-esteem Children like Ruqiya Abdi finally get a chance to enjoy the kinds of activities others take for granted, writes Antonia McGuire."

Antonia McGuire
April 28, 2006

Like most nine-year-olds, Ruqiya Abdi enjoys playing games and loves to swim, as long as she wears earplugs while in the pool -- doctor's orders.

The Marie-Curie student and her mother, Khadiga Abdi, were in a severe accident in 2003 that traumatized the child. "She's still overcoming the shock of seeing her mother (with a bloody face) unconscious,' said the 43-year-old mother of six. Ms. Abdi says her daughter still suffers from chronic pain and psychological distress, but keeps active.

Other children who are economically disadvantaged like Ruqiya Abdi can try activities such as swimming and pottery that they normally couldn't afford, thanks to RBC Royal Bank.

RBC Royal presented its annual donation last Saturday to Christie Lake Kids, a not-for-profit organization that teaches skills and self-esteem building in its after-school programs and summer camp for underprivileged children in the city.

Olympians Kristina Groves and Jeff Bean were among the athletes present at the ceremony. "These athletes have the same skills, capacity and resiliency that we try to instill and they are great role models,' said Janice Barresi, executive director of Christie Lake Kids.

Which is why RBC Royal Bank is so eager to dish out the cash. "We share the same enthusiasm and passion for the services and programs that (Christie Lake Kids) provides. Our gift will help these children reach their full and true potential to succeed and realize their dreams,' said Michael Lordon, vice-president of RBC commercial banking in Ottawa.

The $25,000 donation will go toward the Christie Lake Kids after-school and weekend program called, S.T.A.R. -- an acronym for Skills Through Activity & Recreation, a community-based program that offers sports and art activities.

Last year alone, S.T.A.R. served more than 500 underprivileged children in Ottawa, says Ms. Barresi. "One in five children are currently living in poverty in Ottawa. Many of these families must decide if they just pay their bills, or involve their children in healthy development of sports and arts activities,' said Ms. Barresi.

But Ms. Abdi is happy to support her daughter by encouraging her to participate in the S.T.A.R. program. Ms. Barresi believes extracurricular programs require a balance. 'Kids need an opportunity to explore their world through play without structure.

"But research also shows how critical structured activities are for a child's development,' said Ms. Barresi. Ms. Abdi, whose family immigrated 11 years ago, says she's trying to encourage her children to participate in activities to share their life in this multicultural country.