John Howard KidStart needs your help this Giving Tuesday, November 28! Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two days where the focus is on getting great deals. Giving Tuesday is a day devoted to giving back. Help kids in the Comox Valley by giving to John Howard KidStart!

KidStart is a volunteer-based mentoring program offered in the Comox Valley and Campbell River by The John Howard Society of North Island. The program connects positive adult role models with children ages 6-12 for three hours of recreational or cultural activities per week.

KidStart depends entirely on donations, grants, fundraising, and gaming funds to help children and youth in the community.

Donations can be made online at www.jhsni.bc.ca, by e-transfer to John Howard鈥檚 director of finance kevin.meier@jhsni.bc.ca, or in person or by mail to The John Howard Society of North Island, 575 10th St., Courtenay, BC, V9N 1P9.

Trail Bicycles matching donations

For the fourth year in a row, Trail Bicycles at 1170 Cliffe Ave. in Courtenay will be matching customer donations to KidStart from Nov. 21-Dec. 2, up to $2,000. That is a potential $4,000 donation to support local children and youth!

Trail Bicycles is also accepting e-transfer donations to shop@trailbicycles.ca for their Giving Tuesday matching campaign. Please mention KidStart in your message.

Other businesses chipping in

COBS Bread will donate $1 to KidStart for every six-pack of scones (mixed variety) or tarts (pumpkin or butter) purchased on Giving Tuesday, and five per cent of all purchases if customers mention KidStart. Donation boxes will also be out at Mudsharks Coffee and Parker Appliances.

Charitable tax receipts will be available for online donations and cheques or e-transfers made directly to The John Howard Society of North Island.