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Our Mission
Enrich the lives of children and youth.
Trips for Kids Ottawa’s mission is to enrich the lives of economically disadvantaged, new to Canada, autistic and at-risk youth through outdoor activities that help them to develop physical skills, gain environmental knowledge, form positive relationships and acquire leadership opportunities.
TFKO's Mission in Action
Trips for Kids Ottawa offers free recreational and educational activities tailored to empower children and youth. From the thrill of mountain biking to the serenity of snowshoeing, the grace of skating, and the joy of exploring nature's wonders, our programs invite participants to embark on unforgettable adventures. Set against the backdrop of off-road trails, our activities not only present physical challenges but also foster the acquisition of new skills, all while immersing kids in the refreshing embrace of fresh air. Welcoming youths aged 8-19 who are eager to engage, we provide loaner bikes, skates, helmets, and gloves to ensure that every child, regardless of resources, can seize the opportunity to join us on the journey.
Our Founder
In 2007, Cat Weaver, an avid mountain biker, was gearing up to bring her own teenagers to a local high school mountain bike event. She asked around at their school to see if other youth would be interested in the event. Many wanted to join, but most did not have a bike or equipment. Some of the teenagers were new Canadian immigrants or refugees who arrived late in the school year and didn’t have the opportunity or the means to join other organized sports.
Cat reached out for help to her local mountain biking community and the response was incredible with many friends loaning their bikes and gear, and a local bike shop offering the use of their vehicle for the event. The new participants enjoyed the event so much that they were itching to get back on bikes and started asking Cat when they could go riding again. Keen to respond to the need in the community, Cat started her research and came across the website for Trips for Kids National. Their mission statement aligned so perfectly with what she imagined offering to teens in Ottawa that her own daughter thought she had created the website herself! In 2011, Trips for Kids Ottawa (TFKO) became the third Canadian chapter of the organization and in 2014 it became a registered charity. Over the years, TFKO has received grants from organizations like Ontario Trillium Foundation and Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program. This allowed TFKO to successfully purchase and maintain a large fleet of bikes stored in retrofitted shipping containers located at Ottawa area schools. The programs offer by TFKO are fun and safe outdoor activities welcoming anyone and everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, language barriers, gender identity, or skill level. An outing never starts without a hardy and nutritious snack baked by our local volunteers! “I half-jokingly say they come for the food and stay for the ride.” says Cat. In the off-season, TFKO also runs winter skating programs. In 2021, generous support was received from Jumpstart to provide youth participants with new skates, helmets and gloves. As of 2022, TFKO fleet bikes are ridden 3-4 times per week with over 50 bike outings annually encompassing 844 riders.
Behind the Scenes
Trips for Kids Ottawa is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who serve on our Board of Directors. Together, they shape the organization's policies, manage its finances, and chart its strategic course. They are public servants, private sector professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, united by their love for nature and their shared commitment to introducing children and youth to its wonders.
