ABOUT US
Play-it-Forward Projects is a Calgary-based charity that provides play-based programs to local and international communities in need. Our job is to create a specialized play and sport program for the community, provide the necessary equipment, and training to the community leaders. We implement our program, while mentoring the community leaders. We provide all tools and resources required to continue our program after our departure. We strive to impact as many youth and their communities, while giving them the ability to continue playing it forward!
OUR MISSION
There is a purpose to our play! Our mission is to provide programs that are designed to help disadvantaged youth develop and grow in all areas; physically, socially, emotionally and mentally. The projects revolve around teaching athletics, fitness, dance, gymnastics, acceptance of others, and health and wellness education. We strive to create projects that teach unique, specialized sport, and active play programs that cater to the needs of the specific community we are working with. We value our youth leaders, volunteers, teachers, parents and community members involved in our projects. We provide opportunities for education, leadership training, mentorship and program information.
OUR G AL
Through education and mentorship, our goal for each project is to leave a positive and sustainable impact on the children and their community. We aim to help children and youth who participate in our projects reach their fullest potential, while building self-esteem, self-sport basics, ball handling skills, and life skills through games and cooperative play activities.
Our goal is to reach and teach children in need, wherever they may be. Whether in Canada or beyond to the developing countries, we hope to change the lives of children in our projects, while encouraging the sustainability of the program- teaching those involved to keep playing it forward!
We are proud of our Charitable Organization.
We know we can make a difference in the life of a child and their community but need help and support!
I can't even begin to describe how much this charity has impacted not only the lives of thousands of children globally but my own!
~Darlene Fedyna ( Founder / President )
OUR TEAM
Our team consists of many like-minded individuals who see the opportunity to change the lives of youth around the world. We believe it is our responsibility to allow as many children to benefit from sport and play. Our goal is to touch the lives of many communities in need, provide equipment and mentorship training to establish a play program that can continue to play it forward.
DARLENE FEDYNA
Board Member /
Founder / President
Year started with the charity: The first unofficial Play-it-Forward project was a personal trip to South Africa 2010. This is where I set-up a physical education program at a low income school where they had no resources for sport and play. Following this trip the process began to develop Play-it-Forward Projects as a non-profit organization in 2012. Play-it-Forward Projects received charitable status in 2014. We are so proud to say that we have had many local and International projects to-date helping thousands of children and teachers through our projects raising awareness in health, wellness, fitness and sport changing the lives of many!
How you got started or what motivated you to volunteer? I volunteer because I see the benefit of sport and play everyday in my work as a coach and business owner of gymnastics clubs in Calgary. With over 40 years teaching youth in various programs, I have decided that it is my personal wish and obligation to carry on this work to my community and abroad to children in need; and to those that do not have an opportunity to grow through sport and play. I have a passion for play and take my role as the leader of this charity seriously. My hope is to pass on a mission to play-it-forward by setting up sustainable programs and systems for teachers and leaders of underprivileged children through our projects.
What else you do for play? My background in Early Childhood and Physical Movement education provided me the tools to share the joy and knowledge needed to teach and reach those in need. I am excited to volunteer my talent and time whenever and wherever needed to make a difference. My hope is that through this charity I will be a contagious captain and that people of play will be motivated to work alongside me and continue this mission.
A quote that you love, or that relates to your role within the charity: “We can always make a difference to someone, No matter what role we Play!" -
Lindsey Sterling
GAYLE MAGUIRE
Board Member / Secretary
Year started with the charity: 2018
How you got started or what motivated you to volunteer? I've always been passionate about being an ally to those with less opportunity than others. I've always done volunteer work since I was a child, after seeing my parents give to those less fortunate.
What do you love about working with us? Why does play matter to you? I love that we help kids to enjoy 'being kids', and that we leave a lasting impact. Children really are the future, so with this work, we are making the world a better place for my children to grow up in.
What else you do for play? Playing soccer and spending time with my kids.
A quote that you love, or that relates to your role within the charity: "As you grow older, you will realize that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, one for helping others." - Audrey Hepburn
LAVERNE WOROSCHUK
Website Management
Year started with the charity: 2017
How you got started or what motivated you to volunteer? A close friend of mine is part of Play-it-Forward and invited me to a meeting back in 2017 to learn more about the charity. I was hooked from there.
What do you love about working with us? Why does play matter to you? Happiness, belonging, laugher, activity, play, friendship, health are all part of a child's well being and I believe every child has the right to this.
What else you do for play? I love to feel like a kid again out at the lake; whether it is boating, swimming or splashing around in the water.
A quote that you love, or that relates to your role within the charity: "Be the change you want to see in the world" - Gandhi
SANDI BAILY
Assistant Administration
Year started with the charity: 2019
How you got started or what motivated you to volunteer? Through friendship with Darlene Fedyna.
What do you love about working with us? Why does play matter to you? Seeing and hearing about how Play-it-Forward projects brings positive change and hope to children who are in need of it.
What else you do for play? I go to dogshow’s and dog sit.
A quote that you love, or that relates to your role within the charity: "It’s never too late to help!"
RIC FEDYNA
Board Member / Vice President
Year started with the charity: 2010
How you got started or what motivated you to volunteer? Working with and helping my wife Darlene Fedyna bring positive change and hope to children locally and abroad.
What do you love about working with us? Why does play matter to you?
I’ve seen first hand how positive play can bring joy and self esteem into a child’s life. The more I give, the more I get back. It’s truly motivating.
What else you do for play? I have an adventurous soul and like to meet new people from different cultures.
A quote that you love, or that relates to your role within the charity: "Always wander, but never get lost."
KRISTIN EPP
Board Member / Treasurer
Year started with the charity: 2019
How you got started or what motivated you to volunteer? Recognizing the importance of volunteering within a charity organization.
What do you love about working with us? Why does play matter to you?
Play matters because it empowers our mind, body and soul.
What else you do for play? I have two young energetic and full of life boys that keep me youthful.
A quote that you love, or that relates to your role within the charity: "One act of kindness can change the world".
RAELEE FEDYNA
Marketing
Year started with the charity: 2010
How you got started or what motivated you to volunteer? Having the opportunity to go to Tanzania in 2011 truly showed me the massive impact such small gestures have on these children's lives. I've always had a love for children and am so greatful to be a part of a charity that leaves ever lasting memories.
What do you love about working with us? Why does play matter to you? Play has been such a big part of my life growing up and I'm so thrilled to leave something behind and Play-it-Forward. Continuing to reach and teach children around the globe. It's truly humbling and opens your eyes to how some people/children live. By personally using my skills to give and make a difference fills my love bucket more than anything I've ever experienced before.
What else you do for play? I play by staying involved in sports, yoga, travel and fitness.
A quote that you love, or that relates to your role within the charity: "No one ever becomes poor by giving"
ANNECY HILL
Assistant Project Manager
Year started with the charity: 2018
How you got started or what motivated you to volunteer? Working with Darlene Fedyna, she informed me about her charity; I went to the AGM and haven't looked back.
What do you love about working with us? Why does play matter to you? I think the charity's importance of giving every child a name is so impactful. Their name is something they own for themselves, and no one can take that away, so honour it!
What else you do for play? I coach gymnastics and I am becoming an elementary teacher.
A quote that you love, or that relates to your role within the charity: "Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory" - Dr. Seuss
KIERA SCHRADER-BALSON
Project Manager
Year started with the charity: 2018
How you got started or what motivated you to volunteer? I've known Darlene Fedyna since I began gymnastics as a young gymnast with BIG dreams. When I started coaching for Darlene at Gymtastics Gymnastics Club South I knew this was my opportunity to get involved with Play-It-Forward and help others achieve their BIG dreams with sport.
What do you love about working with us? Why does play matter to you? I believe that play is within each and every one of us. It is my goal to put a smile on the children's faces and help bring play into their lives.
What else you do for play? I coach competitive gymnastics at Gymtastics Gymnastics Club South.
A quote that you love, or that relates to your role within the charity: "Do what you love; love what you do!"
Currently seeking active board members on a 2-year term.
Want to help out? Ask us about our volunteer opportunities.