As an immigrant mother living in Regina’s North Central neighbourhood, Joy could have never imagined the impact a small corner-lot building, and a handful of volunteers would make on her family’s life.

Joy was first introduced to Ehrlo Sport Venture three years ago when a letter was sent home from school describing the program’s equipment lending library and further opportunities that could benefit her three young children.

Joy, who moved to Canada from Uganda, said she had no idea the philanthropic program was in Regina, no less in her own neighbourhood.

“It is something the neighbourhood can be proud of,” she said from the Sport Venture building on 5^th Avenue. “When I moved here, they were saying it was a tough neighbourhood, so I got scared and most of the time I was in the house, but Sport Venture has given me some confidence to get out which is very, very important for me and the children.”

Joy has three children whom all participate in several leagues with Ehrlo Sport Venture. A highlight for the older children is the Ehrlo Football League, while the youngest isn’t partial to any one sport, but has rather enjoyed all the leagues equally.  

“Sport Venture has been a blessing to our family. It has allowed my children to go to different places, to be with other kids, and to put on a uniform,” said Joy. “When they’re in uniform they all get an equal chance.”

“There is a lot Sport Venture has done for us,” she continued. “It has brought unity to our community. The children feel confident, they feel they are safe, they feel they are so happy.”

Not only have the Ehrlo leagues given Joy’s children the chance to play, but the non-profit has also afforded the entire family the opportunity to connect, engage, and explore the greater community.

The sport leagues have taken the family to ground zero of the city’s arenas, like the Co-operators Centre and Mosaic Stadium. The kids have had the opportunity to meet and learn from Saskatchewan Roughriders and Roughrider Alumni and the Regina Pats, and the young players have also had opportunity to participate in special Ehrlo-partnered events.

Not only have her kids gained the opportunity to meet and befriend new children, but Joy and her husband have also been gifted the opportunity and purpose to meet with other families within Regina.

“We get opportunities to reach people and places that we wouldn’t (otherwise) reach,” said Joy. “The children meet kids…and I get to know other parents which is very, very good.”

If it not for Ehrlo Sport Venture, Joy said the expense of organized sport would prevent her children from playing the games they’ve so grown to love.

With gratitude and admiration for the program, its staff, and volunteers, Joy has committed herself to giving back to the organization by volunteering for Sport Venture on an as-needed basis. She said it’s the least she can do to express her deep appreciation for what the program has done for her and her family.

“I feel so proud to have Sport Venture in our community. I feel for families who cannot afford access to sport because when my kids were asking me to play, I felt sad. I didn’t want to tell the children we couldn’t afford it, so this has brought us confidence as parents. It is a relief to feel my children are getting out – they are participating.”