Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation Partners with APPLE Schools to Promote Health and Wellness in Ontario
The Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation is proud to announce its $300,000 donation to bring the acclaimed APPLE Schools health initiative to Ontario. In partnership with Dr. Katerina Maximova at St. Michael’s Hospital’s MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, the Kassam Foundation will help expand the program’s reach, improving the health and well-being of children of vulnerable communities in the GTA and throughout Ontario.
The Impact of APPLE Schools: A History of Success
Founded 15 years ago at the University of Alberta, APPLE Schools (A Project Promoting healthy Living for Everyone in Schools) has transformed the lives of more than 100,000 children in vulnerable communities. This award-winning health promotion initiative empowers students to develop healthy eating, physical activity, and mental well-being habits that last a lifetime.
APPLE Schools began as a small pilot project in 2007, targeting 10 Alberta schools. Through fun and engaging activities such as classroom gardens, after-school cooking classes, and peer-led health education, the program quickly demonstrated its effectiveness. Research showed a marked improvement in students’ diet quality and physical activity levels, laying the foundation for APPLE Schools to become an independent entity in 2013. By 2021, it had expanded to reach over 20,000 students, nearly 40,000 family members, 2,400 staff, and 74 school communities across four provinces and territories.
Proven Results and Cost-Effectiveness
APPLE Schools has a proven track record of success. Children in APPLE school communities are 35% more physically active and have a 40% lower risk of obesity compared to their peers. These healthy habits reduce the risk of chronic diseases and save millions in healthcare costs, making the program a highly cost-effective solution for addressing health inequities.
The initiative’s research-practice cycle ensures that APPLE Schools’ programming is based on the latest scientific evidence. This unique model not only enhances the program’s effectiveness but also demonstrates to donors that their contributions make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.
The Role of Donors in APPLE Schools’ Success
The continued success and expansion of APPLE Schools rely heavily on the generosity of donors to reach more communities and sustain its life-changing initiatives. That’s why the Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation’s donation is such a game-changer.
Moez and Marissa Kassam’s $300,000 gift reflects their deep commitment to giving back and creating a society where all children, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive.
“We see APPLE Schools as a solid investment in the future of our children,” said Moez Kassam, co-chair of the Foundation. “We believe that every child deserves the chance to live a healthy, happy life, and we’re excited to help bring this impactful program to our community.”
The partnership between the Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation and APPLE Schools represents a significant step forward in addressing health inequities and improving the well-being of children in vulnerable communities. Together, they are building a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.
For more information on APPLE Schools and how you can support this life-changing initiative, visit their website at https://www.appleschools.ca/.
The Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation is proud to announce its $300,000 donation to bring the acclaimed APPLE Schools health initiative to Ontario. In partnership with Dr. Katerina Maximova at St. Michael’s Hospital’s MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, the Kassam Foundation will help expand the program’s reach, improving the health and well-being of children of vulnerable communities in the GTA and throughout Ontario.
The Impact of APPLE Schools: A History of Success
Founded 15 years ago at the University of Alberta, APPLE Schools (A Project Promoting healthy Living for Everyone in Schools) has transformed the lives of more than 100,000 children in vulnerable communities. This award-winning health promotion initiative empowers students to develop healthy eating, physical activity, and mental well-being habits that last a lifetime.
APPLE Schools began as a small pilot project in 2007, targeting 10 Alberta schools. Through fun and engaging activities such as classroom gardens, after-school cooking classes, and peer-led health education, the program quickly demonstrated its effectiveness. Research showed a marked improvement in students’ diet quality and physical activity levels, laying the foundation for APPLE Schools to become an independent entity in 2013. By 2021, it had expanded to reach over 20,000 students, nearly 40,000 family members, 2,400 staff, and 74 school communities across four provinces and territories.
Proven Results and Cost-Effectiveness
APPLE Schools has a proven track record of success. Children in APPLE school communities are 35% more physically active and have a 40% lower risk of obesity compared to their peers. These healthy habits reduce the risk of chronic diseases and save millions in healthcare costs, making the program a highly cost-effective solution for addressing health inequities.
The initiative’s research-practice cycle ensures that APPLE Schools’ programming is based on the latest scientific evidence. This unique model not only enhances the program’s effectiveness but also demonstrates to donors that their contributions make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.
The Role of Donors in APPLE Schools’ Success
The continued success and expansion of APPLE Schools rely heavily on the generosity of donors to reach more communities and sustain its life-changing initiatives. That’s why the Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation’s donation is such a game-changer.
Moez and Marissa Kassam’s $300,000 gift reflects their deep commitment to giving back and creating a society where all children, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive.
“We see APPLE Schools as a solid investment in the future of our children,” said Moez Kassam, co-chair of the Foundation. “We believe that every child deserves the chance to live a healthy, happy life, and we’re excited to help bring this impactful program to our community.”
The partnership between the Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation and APPLE Schools represents a significant step forward in addressing health inequities and improving the well-being of children in vulnerable communities. Together, they are building a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.
For more information on APPLE Schools and how you can support this life-changing initiative, visit their website at https://www.appleschools.ca/.