The Kickback Foundation

Events Manager
April 2024 - December 2024
Program Coordinator
May 2023 - April 2024
Youth Ambassador
May 2022 - August 2022

Events

  • Mother’s day event in collaboration with Dear Mom, May 2024.


    Partners: It's OK Studios, Saje Natural Wellness, Lululemon, The Brau, Asics, NUD, Nick's Jewellery, Puma, Verdant Meadows

  • July 2024

    A day filled with sportsmanship, fun, and BBQ in competition to rank as basketball champions of the summer at the customized basketball court built by the youth in the Moss Park community (2022). July 2024.

    ATTENDEES (283)
    Community Attendees: 168
    Partners: 6
    Vendors: 10
    Youth Athletes: 64
    Kickback Staff: 8
    Volunteers: 27

    PARTNERS
    Puma, City of Toronto, Toronto Community Housing Corporation

    HIGHLIGHTS
    Location Expansion: We successfully used the entire parking lot to host the event, including inviting partners such as COPS Donuts, and implemented new spaces such as a kids area for games, organized food distribution, and a front desk for distribution, check-in, and raffle sign-ups.

    Participation: This year there was a great turnout for the girls portion of the tournament with 6 teams in total.

    Raffle: We successfully raised funds during this event. Community members were able to win a pair of shoes.

    Volunteers: The first iteration of having an organized volunteer team made set-up and support easier for the team. We were able to find strong volunteers from the community who also enjoyed the experience.

    Team Support: Team leads felt supported and organized with their roles and team collaboration with delegation of tasks.

    Food: All participants, staff, and volunteers were able to get fed with the influx of total people in attendance.

    Time: Schedule was on time in comparison to previous years.

  • August 2024

    UP is Kickback’s summer basketball experience. Traditionally held as a tournament, this year’s event at Empringham featured an engaging basketball clinic at the Empringham Kickback Court, specially crafted for youth aged 13 to 18. Participants elevated their skills through expert-led drills, teamwork exercises, and personal development activities, all within a supportive and inspiring environment. This clinic celebrates community spirit and a shared love for basketball, offering young athletes the chance to connect, grow, and gain confidence both on and off the court.

    ATTENDEES (252)
    Community Attendees: 170
    Partners: 3
    Vendors: 5
    Youth Athletes: 51
    Kickback Staff: 8
    Volunteers: 15

    PARTNERS
    Puma, City of Toronto, Toronto Community Housing Corporation

    HIGHLIGHTS
    Scheduling: Seamless scheduling

    Participation: This year there was a great turnout for almost an equal split of girls and boys participating in the clinic.

    Team Support: Team leads felt supported and organized with their roles and team collaboration with delegation of tasks.

  • In partnership with Penny Appeal, a back-to-school event providing youth with free haircuts and braiding services, along with a new pair of shoes, backpacks, and supplies to go with confidence into the September 2024 school year.


    Partners: Penny Appeal, JD Sports, City of Toronto, Puma, Hershel, Kensington Grey

    ATTENDEES (200)
    Youth provided merchandise: 150
    Barbers: 12
    Braiders: 8
    Volunteers: 14
    Partners: 6
    Staff: 6

  • Kickback proudly hosted its inaugural annual graduation ceremony in partnership with CBC, marking an important milestone in its journey. Traditionally, year-end celebrations focused on reflection and community, but with the formalization of programs and internal structure, this tradition evolved into a dynamic and forward-thinking event. The ceremony celebrated the incredible achievements of 89 graduates from six diverse programs, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and growth throughout the year. Designed with a future-focused approach, the event reimagined the traditional graduation ceremony by incorporating interactive and innovative elements that reflected the evolving aspirations of today’s youth. Bringing together graduates, their families, partners, and the broader community, the event honored the collective accomplishments of 2024, creating a powerful moment of unity and pride while setting the stage for continued success and inspiration in the years ahead.

    ATTENDEES (250)
    Graduates: 89
    Programs: 6
    Staff: 10
    Volunteers: 15

    PARTNERS
    Presenting Partner: CBC

    Program Partners: City of Toronto, Toronto Raptors, ASICS, Arc’teryx, Sony. TIFF. George Brown College, CIBC, Jumpstart Foundation, Format, Flow Water, Social Justice Fund, Greater Atlanta Foundation, Penny Appeal 

    Special Thanks: Ricci Marcone, All One Fund, JD Sports, Puma, MLSE Launchpad, Canada Basketball

    HIGHLIGHTS
    First Graduation: This was the first graduation in celebrating program participants.

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