PRO Kids is a registered charity that was created by social agencies, recreation providers, youth and other community members in Thunder Bay in 1998. We accept applications from families and referral agencies for financial assistance to help cover costs of recreation, sports, arts and cultural activities. Since its inception, PRO Kids has made over 30,000 placements of kids into activities.

 Learn more about PRO Kids
 Every child deserves the opportunity to participate in recreation which helps them learn leadership and teamwork skills, make healthy lifestyle choices, build self-esteem, have exposure to positive role models, and follow the rules.

Registered Charitable No.823587076RR0001 Children cheering after soccer game

Our Vision

That all children and youth in Thunder Bay are able to participate in recreation activities which boost their self-esteem and promote their healthy growth through the learning of new skills, increased knowledge and personal development.

Our Purpose

To provide program and financial assistance to as many children and youth as possible who, due to lack of funds, are not able to participate in registered recreation activities.

Questions or Feedback?

Send us your questions or comments. Please email us at PROKids@thunderbay.ca, our staff will be happy to respond!

Power to Play

Through our annual Power to Play campaign, PRO Kids helps local children and youth access sports, arts, and cultural programs—removing financial barriers so they can participate, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging.

From swimming and baseball to gymnastics and Scouts, these experiences help kids connect and thrive.

In 2026, our goal is to raise $25,000 to support even more families in our community.

Learn more about the campaign here: Power to Play - City of Thunder Bay

If you believe every child deserves the chance to play, please consider making a donation today.

Upcoming Events

21st Annual Mayors Mulligan Golf Tournament

Mayors Mulligan Golf Tournament

The 2026 Mayor's Mulligan presented by Enbridge will be hosted on Friday August 28, at Strathcona Golf Course with an 11:30am shotgun start.

Team registration includes Mulligan Kits, 2 power carts, lunch provided by Pita Pit and a delicious dinner prepared by Pioneer Ridge.

Learn more at www.thunderbay.ca/mulligan 

Get Involved with PRO Kids

There are many ways for you to get involved with PRO Kids! Whether you are interested in volunteering at one of our events, bringing fresh ideas to our Fundraising Committee, or helping guide our mission as a Board member, there’s a role for you.

 Learn more about how to get involved with PRO Kids

 Board of Directors

The PRO Kids Board of Directors plays a vital role in shaping our vision, setting short and long-term goals, and establishing policies. They also oversee our progress, ensuring we continue to provide meaningful opportunities for children and youth.

Their dedication helps us manage our services effectively while maintaining our charitable status.

PRO Kids Board of Directors 2025/2026

  • Doug Eddington, ChairA Photo of PRO Kids Board of Directors
  • Rachel Coffey, Vice-Chair

  • Ilsa Samms, Youth Representative

  • Lance Barenz

  • Katie Burton

  • Omer Belisle

  • Melanie Tibishkogejic

  • Lavinia DeSousa

  • Laura Ferguson

  • Joshua Swearengen

  • Callie Hemsworth, Treasurer, Supervisor of Initiatives, Marketing & Community Support (Staff)

  • Grace Power, PRO Kids Coordinator (Staff)

  • Samantha Stovel, Customer Service & Marketing Coordinator (Staff)

Interested in Getting Involved?

PRO Kids will be seeking to recruit two new members to join our Board of Directors for Fall 2026. Board positions are volunteer roles and offer a valuable opportunity to support children and youth in accessing sport, recreation, and cultural activities in our community.

Applications are expected to open in Summer 2026. More information, including application details, will be shared on our website and social media channels as it becomes available.

For any questions in the meantime, please contact the PRO Kids Coordinator, Grace Power, at grace.power@thunderbay.ca

Board Composition

A Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, a Fundraising Committee Member, and community members make up the PRO Kids Board.

To make sure we have a balanced of point of view, we look for community members that have experience in these areas.

  • Recreation, Sport, Art, and Culture Partners
  • Financial Contributors
  • Children's Social Services
  • Families who have used PRO Kids
  • Community Leaders
  • Indigenous Community 
  • Youth

Annual Report

The Board also helps PRO Kids edit and publish our annual report. This report allows us to communicate with our stakeholders and keep the community up to date on our operations.

Our 2024 PRO Kids Annual Report is available!  

 


Volunteer

A lot of the volunteer opportunities at PRO Kids are in-office planning or helping at events. There is no direct programming with children at PRO Kids! If you want to get involved in our events, or in planning, contact us at prokids@thunderbay.ca.


Fundraising Committee

Our fundraising committee is a very active and fun group that meets every 2-3 months. Together we plan and organize events, sell merchandise, make approaches to businesses and we are always thinking of creating new fundraising ideas.

Something you might be interested in? Contact us at prokids@thunderbay.ca.

 

Annual Events

Polar Bear Plunge

Each year participants brave the icy waters of Lake Superior in the Polar Bear Plunge. The event raises funds supporting a number of local charities, including PRO Kids!

Plunge participants jumping in the water

Mayor's Mulligan Golf Tournament

This one-of-a-kind annual golf tournament sees teams of four enjoy 18 holes of golf, games, challenges, food and a day of fun on the Strathcona Golf Course. All funds raised support PRO Kids!

 

For more details visit www.thunderbay.ca/mulligan 

 

Mayors Mulligan Golf Tournament

Annual Campaigns

Power to Play

PRO Kids' annual fundraising campaign, 

Power to Play Graphic

Power to Play, happens annually in the month of April.


The intent is to give local children and youth the "Power to Play". By donating to the campaign you are helping a child access their desired recreational activity when families cannot afford the fees. 

You are their #1 fan, cheering them on, empowering them and giving them the opportunity to reap the benefits of recreation.

 

Be the #1 fan of a child in need and donate today!

Recycle your cell phones with Tbaytel

Bring your old devices to be recycled at one of the Tbaytel stores below. The proceeds will support PRO Kids!

 

People recycling cellphones in container

  • Tbaytel Retail Store, 959 Fort William Rd

  • The Power Centre, 707 Memorial Ave

  • Touch Unwired, 1080 Lithium Dr

  • Touch Unwired, 540 Arthur St
Recycle your equipment with Play it Again Sports

Help suit up a kid in need! 

Child wearing hockey equipment with volunteer

Bring your used, quality, sports equipment to Play It Again Sports to be recycled.

The value of your equipment will be donated to a PRO Kids account. Children and youth who need sports equipment can access this account through referral by the PRO Kids Coordinator.

Host an event for PRO Kids

Are you interested in organizing an event or fundraiser for PRO Kids? Send us an email!

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