From local hero to global advocate: How KidsPlay Foundation is transforming lives

The foundation’s journey began with Kal Dosanjh, whose experience as a patrol officer brought him face-to-face with the grim realities faced by many young individuals. A pivotal encounter with a young boy caught in the throes of drug abuse and neglect ignited Kal’s determination to create meaningful change. Inspired by the values of selfless service embedded in his Sikh heritage, Kal organized a small soccer tournament aimed at providing local youth with a positive outlet. This grassroots initiative laid the groundwork for what would eventually become KidsPlay Foundation, where Kal now serves as CEO. Kiran Toor, serving as President, shares this vision of community empowerment, working alongside Kal to expand the Foundation’s reach and impact.

KidsPlay Foundation operates under the guiding principle that it takes a village to raise a child. The organization prioritizes at-risk youth, focusing on removing financial barriers and providing culturally sensitive support to ensure their success. Their comprehensive initiatives include sports programs, mentorship, environmental initiatives, counseling, mental health services, and drug and gang education. Each of these efforts is designed to reduce youth crime and foster a sense of identity among participants. By empowering young people with leadership, teamwork, and self-governance skills under the guidance of caring adults, KidsPlay addresses the urgent need for belonging that many youth experience.

As more young people search for community and connection, many find these vital elements lacking at home or school. The Foundation recognizes that the rise in substance abuse and gang involvement has contributed to the exploitation of youth, underscoring the critical need to nurture their desire for belonging. KidsPlay is driven by a commitment to ensuring that no child slips through the cracks—each child deserves the chance to thrive. The heartbreak of seeing youth who needed help but never received it serves as a powerful motivator for the Foundation, inspiring it to work even harder to prevent any child from losing their sense of self.

Over its nine years of service, KidsPlay has learned that a single opportunity to belong in a positive environment can transform a young life forever. Kids need love, encouragement, and chances to succeed—and when provided with these, they can flourish. The Foundation has witnessed this transformation repeatedly, reinforcing the belief that investing in these young lives will foster future changemakers who will contribute positively to society. The organization’s commitment to offering all its programs free of charge, made possible by the generosity of sponsors and supporters, has empowered youth to grow physically, mentally, and socially, helping them become contributing members of society.

In its expansion beyond its Vancouver roots, KidsPlay has reached new cities, including Calgary and Toronto. In Calgary, the Foundation began operating just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting its programs to continue providing essential support. This chapter emphasized community service, allowing youth to develop leadership skills while engaging in civic duties. By 2021, KidsPlay established its presence in Toronto, where it focused on the reciprocal benefits of volunteering, empowering young people to make meaningful contributions to their communities while enhancing their personal development.

KidsPlay’s mission also extends internationally, with initiatives in Punjab, India, and Cartagena, Colombia. In Punjab, the Foundation’s programs provide free after-school activities and mentorship, filling the gap left by a scarcity of positive role models. Meanwhile, the Cartagena chapter addresses global challenges such as poverty and environmental degradation through initiatives like tree planting and community clean-ups, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development and community improvement.

At the core of KidsPlay’s philosophy is the understanding that nurturing a sense of belonging is crucial for youth empowerment. The Foundation actively engages in advocacy, collaborating with community organizations, educational institutions, and government officials to highlight the ongoing needs of at-risk youth. However, the lack of sustained funding remains a significant obstacle to fully realizing its mission.

To continue its vital work, KidsPlay is seeking support to fund weekly programs and large-scale initiatives throughout the year. The requested funding will enable the Foundation to expand its reach and provide even more opportunities for youth, ensuring they can participate without the burden of financial constraints. The organization operates year-round, delivering programs in select schools to engage the most disadvantaged kids, offering mentorship during and after school through sports and extracurricular activities.

In addition to school-based initiatives, KidsPlay hosts after-school and weekend programs, organizing large-scale community events every 4-6 weeks. These gatherings provide youth with positive experiences and help reinforce their sense of belonging. School administrators have noted that, without KidsPlay’s programs, many of these children would face even greater disadvantages, emphasizing the Foundation’s critical role in their lives.

As KidsPlay Foundation continues to grow and evolve, it remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming lives, one game at a time. The ripple effect of hope and empowerment that the Foundation has generated demonstrates the transformative power of sports and community engagement, shaping a brighter future for youth worldwide. By investing in these young lives, we can build a stronger, safer future together—one where every child has the opportunity to succeed.