Jennifer, Kingston, ON

Jennifer McCann Screenshot_CROPPED.jpg
 
 

I believe Start2Finish’s programs are making a difference for the children who participate because I have seen so many children flourish as they developed relationships with their coaches.

"My name is Jennifer McCann. I am a teacher in Kingston, and I’ve been a volunteer ambassador for Start2Finish in the community for several years.

When I first became involved in the Start2Finish Running & Reading Club program in Kingston as a Club Director for JG Simcoe school, I was really excited because I knew we would have the opportunity to impact children’s lives by helping them develop confidence in their abilities and equipping them for a brighter future.

I know that there is a great gap and a great need for mentoring and learning support for marginalized/vulnerable children within the community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Start2Finish is truly providing solutions to help them succeed.

One of my favourite memories from the program is seeing one of our young girls who had been trying to avoid the reading portion of the program, receive a breakthrough. One day during snack time, one of the volunteers was reading a book, one of the many that were provided to the program through generous donations from the sponsors of Start2Finish. This child was intent on the story and you could tell she was connecting personally with the story. She would share with the group, how she had experienced similar struggles in not being able to read very well. She did this a few times throughout the story. After the coach finished the story, she picked out a book to read and sat with me as we went through it word by word…she then gained confidence and asked me not to help as much. By June, she had overcome many obstacles and was so excited to complete the 5 km race in Ottawa.

I believe Start2Finish’s programs are making a difference for the children who participate because I have seen so many children flourish as they developed relationships with their coaches.

The impact of the Start2Finish program echoes into the community. We were given a window of opportunity during COVID last spring to distribute running shoes to the children in spite of the school closures. I was volunteering in the community preparing meals and I knew that two of the participants – a brother and sister – came to get meals there. I brought their shoes with me and, sure enough, they showed up – and the boy had no shoes on. I was able to give them the running shoes from Start2Finish and see the joy on their faces recognizing they were special and cared for!

It has been a privilege to be part of such an amazing organization doing such great work here in Kingston. I believe the community is better because of Start2Finish and the incredible volunteers who invest their time and passion into caring for these children. I know this program will continue to make an even greater impact, especially during COVID-19, and I want to say a big thank you to all those who support Start2Finish in putting these children’s dreams within their grasp!"

~ Coach Jennifer, Teacher and Start2Finish Ambassador, Kingston

 
 

Land Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge the land on which we work, and which Start2Finish operates, is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples inhabited and cared for this land. In particular, we acknowledge the territory of the Anishinabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples; the land that is home to the Metis; and most recently, the territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation who are direct descendants of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land, and by doing so, give our respect to its first inhabitants.

We welcome you to acknowledge the land you are on https://www.whose.land/fr/

Member Login
Welcome, (First Name)!
Forgot? Show
Log In
Enter Member Area
My Profile Not a member? Sign up. Log Out