As a mother of two young children aged five and eight, I feel our family has reached a critical juncture at which we must establish new expectations and goals that will directly impact the quality of our children's lives on various levels. Whether it be on an emotional, physical or intellectual level, the choices we make today will determine what our children will be like tomorrow. The truth of the matter is that there is no single factor that can ensure the well-being of our youth. We need to look at the 'whole' child and support them throughout key stages in their development. RBC President and CEO Gord Nixon understands this need. In a recent announcement regarding RBC's five-year, $100 million commitment to improve the health and well-being of one million kids and youth, Nixon said:

As a teacher, I couldn't be more thrilled to learn that the Pledge will kick off with $2.8 million in donations that will support 106 community-based after school programs across Canada, 36 of which are based in Ontario alone. The RBC After School Project will fund several inner-city children and Aboriginal youth programs and activities such as computer instruction, sports, literacy tutoring, music and art lessons, nutrition guidance, and homework help. Throughout the 2013-2014 academic year, approximately 57,000 kids will receive support through this project. And that's not all. RBC will provide $4.6 million in charitable grants to 125 organizations across Canada as part of the RBC Children's Mental Health Project, which will support various anti-stigma, early intervention and awareness programs. 

RBC's commitment to kids doesn't end there, however. Knowing that healthy, active youth contribute to great communities, RBC has been a strong supporter of sports from the playground to the podium since 1947. They also understand that without skates to lace, volunteers to lead, coaches to inspire and ice to play on, the game of hockey could not happen. The RBC Play Hockey Grants program funds projects that keep hockey alive in communities across our great nation. Meet Thomas. Having moved to Canada from England, he had never before worn goalie equipment. With the help of the RBC Play Hockey program, Thomas now has the 'guts' to be a goalie, just like his role model Johnny Bower.

A few weeks ago, our family purchased new skating equipment for the kids. The cost of skates and helmets alone was tremendous but the chance to see our kids learn how to skate is simply priceless. Not having learned how to skate myself until I was in my 30's, I can fully appreciate the dedication involved in supporting our children and helping them up whenever they fall, encouraging them to never give up and give it their best. Perhaps one day they will put on hockey equipment for the very first time and experience the love and joy of the sport along with the many others who will enjoy playing hockey thanks to the RBC Play Hockey Program.