KidSafe is our charity donation recipient for October. This charity assists vulnerable inner-city children during times when their regular schools are closed. Break-time and after-school programs are comprised of a diverse range of activities and field-trips that span their 5 educational pillars:

• Literacy
• Health and Wellness
• Arts and Culture
• Leadership 
• Sustainability, Science and Nature

As a firm we strive to create healthier, more creative and more engaged communities and this extends to all of our learning environment projects. We believe design choices can improve learning outcomes and lay the foundation for an active, engaged learning community and citizenry. KidSafe has the same aim, their vision is for all children to 'live in a safe community with the inspiration and support they deserve to become healthy, contributing citizens'.

I originally heard about KidSafe while working on York House School (before joining HCMA) which partners with KidSafe’s Afterschool Tutoring Program. The program gives children from Queen Alexandra Elementary the chance to work 1:1 after school with York House high school students.

All KidSafe programs and services are offered to students entirely free of charge. Visit the KidSafe website to find out more about this fantastic charity and donate online!