Hooping.org

Children in 87 Brantford, Ontario, area YMCA programs raised thousands of dollars for the Strong Kids campaign to help those less fortunate go to camp and participate in sports. More than 2,800 kids in 25 YMCA after-school programs got pledges toward the Strong Kids campaign. The Strong Kids Hula-Hoop-a-Thon, which is now in its fourth year, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle for kids by encouraging exercise, but pours money into a fund that helps support families that can’t afford the full cost of participating in YMCA programs. “This is for the kids who are less fortunate than us so they can do the cool things we can like going to camp and all that stuff,” said 10-year old Luca (pictured). “I’m not the best (at hula-hooping) but I try to practice.” Last year, local kids raised $30,000, with the money going to swimming lessons, Y memberships and a variety of sports. Full story with video: Brantford Expositor