Kids Up Front is a charity dedicated to creating joy, promoting inclusion, and strengthening communities by connecting children and their families with enriching experiences. Since its founding 25 years ago, Kids Up Front has distributed over 706,000 event tickets valued at more than $25 million, ensuring that kids across Calgary and Southern Alberta get to share in the magic of live sports, theatre, and cultural events.
We spoke with Lynn Steudler, Executive Director of Kids Up Front Calgary, to learn more about her journey with the organization, its impact, and how they’re celebrating 25 years of making moments that matter.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Kids Up Front is a registered charity and was founded 25 years ago by John Dalziel, who attended a game at the Saddledome and saw many empty seats. He knew so many kids would love the chance to sit in those seats if given the opportunity. That is when the idea for Kids Up Front was born. Since then, the organization has grown immensely with chapters in Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax. Since 2000, Kids Up Front Calgary has distributed over 706,000 event tickets valued at over $25 million. We work with over 190 community agencies to distribute donated tickets to deserving kids, youth and families in and around Calgary and Southern Alberta. Whether it’s a child’s first hockey game, first time at the theatre or a family celebrating a birthday, every day we make wishes come true. We collaboratively partner with event organizers, donors, community organizations and more to create enriching experiences for children through our programs.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Our mission is to create joy, promote inclusion and strengthen communities by connecting children and their families to enriching experiences. Our vision is a world in which all kids have access to enriching experiences.
Kids Up Front is dedicated to connecting kids and their families to events in their community. We ensure kids get to be a part of the action and have a seat in the crowd.
When did you start/join the charity?
I started working for Kids Up Front in February of 2022.
What made you want to get involved?
I have always been passionate about giving back to community. When I discovered Kids Up Front, the mission, vision and values of this wonderful organization and seeing how live events can provide a lifelong memory for a kid was truly amazing.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I started in 2022, Kids Up Front was well established in the community and celebrating 22 years in Calgary. This was following the pandemic, and programs/events were starting up again.
How has it changed since?
We have connected with more agencies, reaching more kids and families in Calgary and Southern Alberta.
What more needs to be done?
Support from donors will allow us to grow and strengthen our programs. As our connected agencies grow, the demand for tickets and other opportunities grows with it. Our goal is to remove barriers to access and to enrich kids’ lives. If you can share with one person what Kids Up Front does and the impact we are having, that’s one more person who knows about us, and it means the world to our team.
Some feedback from a few community agencies:
“It is difficult to put into words the positive impact KUF makes on our families. These opportunities provide our families with the chance to get out into the community and have experiences that help them to feel part of the world…”
“Your program truly brings experiences to our kiddos and families that they likely would not get otherwise. You are truly giving them positive memories and experiences to reflect on and carry with them for a lifetime.”
How can our readers help?
Unable to attend an event that is kid or youth-friendly? Consider donating to Kids Up Front. We work with over 190 community agencies to connect your donation to deserving kids in the community who may not otherwise have the opportunity. More information on our website or by contacting us at calgary@kidsupfront.com or 403-444-4318.
Do you have any events coming up?
Celebrating 25 Years of Kids Up Front: Moments That Matter
Where can we follow you?
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary (AAFS) provides respite care in a social and recreational environment for children, youth and adults on the spectrum of Autism.
Two Wheel View uses the bicycle as a tool to build belonging, create connections and expand horizons.
