Intersport and Athletics Yukon are teaming up with Sport Yukon to benefit the Kids Recreation Fund (KRF).

Next week's Intersport 5 km Fun Run, which is held every Tuesday throughout the spring and summer, will be in support of KRF. All proceeds will go directly to the cause, which is to assist children and youth who are unable to participate in an active lifestyle because of financial hardship.

The cost of taking part in the event, which features five and 2.5-kilometre distances, is $5 and staff from Sport Yukon will be taking additional donations as well. At least $3 of those $5 will go directly to KRF, with $1 to $2 being used for administration fees.

'This will be the first annual event,' said Moira Lassen, the project administrator for the fund. 'We had a noon run last year which was similar to the Law Day event. However, with the time crunch and other events going on in the territory, we thought we'd partner instead of trying to squeeze in our own event.'

Lassen said the run is not so much a money maker, as a chance to create awareness of the fund and its cause. There are 207 kids in the program so far just in this fiscal year.

'Just seeing their smiles when they know they can go to a camp they normally wouldn't be able to go to ... it makes it all worthwhile,' said Neisha Bicudo, interim project co-ordinator. 'Although, I think their parents' smiles are even bigger. It takes a lot of pressure off them.'

KRF's main fundraiser in the past, the popular cookie dough challenge, had to be shelved last year because of limited staff and resources, and it will be absent once again this year.

'It's far too cumbersome to carry on,' stated Lassen. 'And with the (2007) Games, I think the community is strapped this year, as well as staff.'

Sport Yukon accepts donations for KRF on an ongoing basis and charitable tax receipts are available. While there are people and businesses who give annually to the fund, there are also a few special donations each year.

This year, a Grade 3 class went and picked up garbage around Whitehorse, then donated all $350 they received from the City of Whitehorse for their work to KRF.

The Government of Yukon also gives an annual grant to the fund. Last year, KRF hit rock bottom in terms of available money and YTG stepped in and increased their contribution from $60,000 to $200,000. Lassen said they will be receiving that same amount once again this year.

'So far this year, we're OK,' she said. 'The government has again realized this is a great program, so they're sticking with the same funding.'

The Intersport 5 km Fun Run in support of the Kids Recreation Fund gets underway at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 25 with registration and donations, followed by the official start at 6:30 p.m. It's a family event so strollers are welcome, however dogs and bikes are not allowed.

'It's fun, it's for the kids and it shows young children how they can affect change in their community,' said Bicudo, when asked why people should take part in the run.

The Kids Recreation Fund was established in 1999, as a way of helping children and youth whose families were experiencing financial hardship, enabling them to participate in organized sport, cultural, social and recreation programs. The fund helps parents with the cost of registration fees, special clothing, supplies and equipment.

Since its inception, KRF has sponsored approximately 2,500 children in a host of activities around the territory, at a total cost of $500,000. To learn more about the fund and how to apply, you can visit the Sport Yukon office on Fourth Avenue in Whitehorse, or visit them online at www.sportyukon.com. You can also call 668-4236 and ask for Neisha Bicudo.