CIBC Wood Gundy announced today that they will once again be donating $5,032.52 to the Kid's Recreation Fund here in the Yukon, as part of their Miracle Day donations.

The cheque was presented to Tracey Bilsky and Megan Freese from Sport Yukon on Thursday by Dean Knoblauch and Tyson Boychuck, who are in Whitehorse for one of their many trips to the north to see clients.

Knoblauch says they have many clients up in this area, and the donation is a chance for them to thank to community.

"We want to give back to the community where we work,” said Knoblauch.

Freese says the Kid's Recreation Fund goes towards families with a lower income to ensure that every child gets the chance to participate in sports.

"It is for families dealing with financial hardship,” said Freese.

The fund helps with registration fees, community programs and equipment costs.

"All money donated to the Kid's Recreation Fund goes directly to the kids,” said Freese.

Beside CIBC Wood Gundy's donation, the fund receives the majority of its funding from the Yukon government and Canadian Tire as well as through donations from local businesses. This summer the fund also received donations from a couple who asked that in lieu of gifts for their wedding, guests donate to the fund.

Although Knoblauch and Boychuk are only in the Yukon a few times a year, they say they have many clients here, one of whom brought the Kid's Recreation Fund to their attention three years ago.

"We thought that it would fit in really nicely with the programs that we support here in B.C. and across the country with our Miracle Day,” Knoblauch said. "We are happy to be able to support a community that has been so good to us.”

Miracle Day is celebrated by CIBC every year on the first Wednesday of each December. Trading and sales staff donate their commission and fees to various children's charities. $41 million was raised in 2008 for charities across Canada in 2008 alone.

"The Kids Recreation Fund helps Yukon children participate in sport and recreation who would otherwise not be able to,” said Bilsky.

Freese says the donation to the fund is great.

"It's greatly appreciated,” she said. "It's an honour that they think our program is worthy of their donation.”