The Kids Up Front initiative allows corporate sponsors and ticket holders an occasion to donate theatre tickets to be re-distributed to agencies that work with disadvantaged and at-risk children in Edmonton and surrounding area.

Founded in 2000, the Kids Up Front Foundation is based on a simple and genuine premise – to turn empty theatre seats into an opportunity for children and their families to enjoy and experience the arts. An opportunity they may have missed without some assistance. Today, Kids Up Front partners with approximately 102 agencies that serve at-risk children with close to 27,000 donated tickets to plays, concerts and sporting event each year.

The CIBC Theatre for All program was launched during the 2007/08 season at Citadel Theatre. Modeled after the success of a similar program in Calgary at Alberta Theatre Projects, donated tickets are held in a ticket bank reserved for Kids Up Front, creating a pool of held tickets. Kids Up Front is notified about what tickets are available for which performances and dates. This lead time allows them to match the tickets to the appropriate age and interests of the children they are serving. 

As Karla Schell, Executive Director of Kids Up Front puts it, “Our partner (social service) agencies provide at–risk children basic living essentials – food, shelter and clothing.  Kids Up Front complements their necessary support by creating access to worthwhile activities like theatre, that nourish the children’s spirits.  The CIBC Theatre for All program succeeds in contributing to the overall healthy development of the emotional well-being of these children.”

“CIBC is proud to support the partnership between Kids Up Front and Citadel Theatre inAlberta. This is our way of helping children, within our communities, to realize their full potential through a theatre experience,” says Nicole Davis, Senior Manager, CIBC Community Investment.

The impact has been incredibly positive, as one agency worker points out:

With your meaningful offering we can help these children realize and reach their full potential.  Giving these children an opportunity to live a healthy life, to make their dreams come true and become successful individuals in our communities. With your support we will continue to deliver a high quality life style and make a lasting difference in these children’s lives

Cross Roads Residential Youth Care Association

If you have Citadel Theatre tickets that you are unable to use, they can be donated by contacting the Citadel Theatre Box Office at 780-425-1820.

If you would like to learn more About Kids Up Front, or if you have tickets for other events that you are unable to use, contact Kids Up Front Edmonton at 780-409-2632 or visit their website at www.kidsupfrontedmonton.com

Additional information on CIBC’s Community Investment can be found on www.CIBC.com