In 2000, Brian Warren founded the Start2Finish program (then KidsFest) by distributing backpacks filled with quality schools supplies and books to children in at-risk schools and hosting literacy festivals. In his broad survey of research and through many years of experience working with kids both in the USA and here in Canada, he knew that a weekly component to the program was critical to see meaningful change. Many supporters were very crucial in helping put together a comprehensive 32-week program of fitness and running. The reading portion followed as a critical complement to help kids address low literacy, an accurate indicator as early as grade 1 of those prone to drop out in high school (Children living in poverty are 50% more likely to drop out before their high school graduation). Putting these two unlikely components together, the Start2Finish “Fitness Literacy Model” was addressing what he coined as the “BIG 7” — seven factors that correlate with students’ success and are tied to socio-economic status. These factors are: Health, Vocabulary, Effort & Energy, Cognitive-Capacity, Mind-Set, Relationship and Stress Level. After some vetting of this “Fitness Literacy Model” from leading experts in the fields of education and behavioral science, the Start2Finish program implemented the Running & Reading Clubs.
In 2019, we have hit an incredible milestone: 50 Running & Reading Clubs. We have worked tirelessly to create programs that meet the needs of communities across Canada, from Atlantic to Pacific!
We are taking time to celebrate this incredible milestone and plan for the future!
By investing in Start2Finish, your donation has impact:
Directly support a child in need. By joining the League, your donation directly supports children affected by the barriers created by living in poverty.
Become a support system. Members of the League are a crucial, on-going and vibrant support system.
Make more of an impact in the long run. Monthly giving allows us to plan ahead and reach more kids.
...because not all heroes wear capes.
