We have successfully raised a total of $87,922.73! The $40,000 fund match by Barb and Peter Halsall was a massive contributor to the campaign's success, and we are incredibly grateful for the support. This achievement is a testament to our collective efforts and the fantastic things we can accomplish working together towards a common goal. Happy Holidays from all of us at MJKO!

Video message link: https://youtube.com/shorts/xZLSAqny8rg

The data has been tallied, and now it is time to witness the incredible impact of Let's Sweat - MJKO's exclusive girls-only initiative, revolutionizing our community's support for mental well-being. Take an unforgettable journey through our photos captured by Vasiliy Ryabykh!

Over the past year, MJKO has supported a staggering 100 young females through our groundbreaking non-contact program. Through the art of boxing, these girls have discovered a path to enhanced well-being and forged unbreakable social bonds.

We shatter stereotypes and redefine what it means to be strong, resilient, and mentally fit. Let's Sweat - MJKO is not just a program; it's a life-altering experience that ignites confidence, fosters empowerment, and cultivates a supportive sisterhood.

What we know is that according to the Toronto Foundation Vital Signs Report 2023, residents of Toronto are lonely, with "37 percent feeling lonely at least three times a week. In the same report, 23% reported having symptoms of a major depressive disorder, and 8% reported having no close family members or friends.

This program has been a game-changer for many young girls. After attending the program for eight weeks, 88.5% of the participants reported improving their mental health and well-being, while the same percentage felt more socially connected. Moreover, all the participants gained access to at least one caring and supportive adult and learned about various resources available to support youth mental health. The program has been instrumental in empowering young girls and helping them lead a happier and healthier life.

Participants learned about resources available to support youth mental health, such as Kids Help Phone, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, Trans Lifeline, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, and the Canadian Sports Help Line.

We measured the success of each of our 120-minute sessions at MJKO by having students use stickers to indicate their mood before and after participation. The results showed that 92% of students who reported feeling indifferent at the beginning of the class left feeling happy. One student reported feeling indifferent throughout the program despite the team of coaches seeing marked improvement and improved emotional control.

I cannot stress enough how incredible this program is and how crucial it is that it continues. My daughter's experience was nothing short of amazing. She not only learned valuable boxing skills, but also gained confidence, formed strong bonds with her peers, and discovered the true meaning of friendship. This newfound confidence has had a profound impact on her academic performance and social interactions. It's truly remarkable how this program empowers girls to navigate life with a sense of self-assurance. I am eternally grateful to have stumbled upon this gem, and I wholeheartedly appreciate the unwavering dedication of the coaches. Their hard work and commitment deserve utmost recognition. Let's keep this program alive and continue transforming the lives of young girls.

In my experience, when kids feel supported, there is a definite shift in the conversations they initiate. In this case,they began to share personal stories, ask about access to program activities, express excitement for the sport, and wonder what could be next for them in boxing. These experiences leave me believing that the girls completed these cohorts with pride and enjoyment in sport, the knowledge they are valued and capable of overcoming personal barriers, and feeling respected and cared for in the MJKO community." Coach Susan

“I’ve grown more connected to my female students through the sport of boxing. I absolutely adore watching their eagerness to learn, competitive sides, and adoration for boxing grow as well.” Coach Bliqis

We have gathered evidence that confirms MJKO is a welcoming community to learn boxing and improve one's well-being. Our research also revealed a significant gap in female sports programs in Toronto. Families are delighted to see their girls participate in physical activities that are both fun, challenging and age-appropriate. These programs require long-term support since real change can only occur with more than one year of funding. We thank the Canadian Red Cross Society, Public Health Canada, and the Toronto Police 14 Division for supporting this initiative. Still, sadly, we share that the program won't be back in action in 2024 due to insufficient funding.

But fear not! If you or someone you know can lend a helping hand, we only need a tad under $35,000 or a mere $350 per athlete annually.

And guess what?

That's way less than what you'd spend on hockey gear alone! Hockey enthusiasts shell out over $400 for essentials like elbow pads, helmet/cage, pants, gloves, socks, sticks, and more.

So, why not invest a fraction of that amount into our talented young female athletes? Together, we can empower them to thrive and conquer the sports world.

Don't miss this chance to make a difference!

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you for joining us on this incredible journey of using the power of boxing to create Community Champions. It's been an amazing year, and we couldn't have done it without you! Your support has been the driving force behind our success, and we can't wait to see what we'll achieve together in the future. So, let's keep the spirit alive and spread the joy of giving as we celebrate this festive season. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, and here's to an even more incredible year ahead!

MJKO IS A VOLUNTEER-RUN ORGANZATION

Together we are getting kids moving, dreaming the big dream and understanding the value of volunteerism.  To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Mentoring Juniors Kids Organization (MJKO) or to donate please visit http://www.mjko.ca