Since 2021, the Diocese of Nova Scotia & PEI has been a leader across our national to church in the Say! Yes to Kids campaign, and we hope that will continue in 2025! Through this campaign, more than $55,000 has been invested in programs for children, youth, and families in our diocese over the past 5 years.
This year, in addition to parish teams being able to access mentorship, training, and sponsorship for parish-led peer-to-peer fundraising, the Anglican Foundation has also created a liturgical resource to help parishes mark Say Yes! to Kids Sunday on June 22.
The Anglican Foundation has created a liturgical resource to make it easy for parishes to mark this day in worhip - download that here.
In conversations about how to support parishes in our diocese in participating, it became clear that a Family Worship Resource would be helpful - so we've created one of those. You can download it here.
Read on to find out all about the Say Yes! to Kids Teams in our diocese this year!
APP is supporting NSTAY, a survivor-led program of YWCA Halifax for youth ages 13–24 who have experienced trafficking or exploitation. This trauma-informed, non-judgmental program provides safety planning, counselling, housing support, and court accompaniment. Funds raised will help vulnerable young people reclaim their future with dignity and hope.
Now in its fourth year with Say Yes! to Kids, the Cathedral is raising funds for The Youth Project, which supports 2SLGBTQIA+ youth across Nova Scotia. From inclusive summer camps to peer support and educational outreach, The Youth Project has been creating safer communities for more than 30 years.
This monthly gathering combines scripture storytelling, creative prayer, and a shared meal at a local youth centre. Rooted in hospitality and formation, The Supper Circle builds intergenerational community and makes space for young people and families to explore faith together in a welcoming, low-barrier environment.
St. Luke’s is supporting Bryony House, a women’s shelter that offers therapeutic play for children who have fled violence. Specially trained child care workers use play-based approaches to help children process trauma, build trust, and take early steps toward healing in safe, child-led sessions.
This August, St. Peter’s will offer a free, full-day summer camp for 60 children from the parish and surrounding neighbourhoods. The camp will provide recreation, snacks, and faith-based fun—all while easing summer childcare burdens for local families. It’s a joyful ministry of welcome and community connection.
Trinity is helping newcomer children thrive through two vital programs: a conversational English tutoring initiative for students at Fairview Heights Elementary, and a fun-filled Vacation Bible School. Both programs foster learning, belonging, and confidence for children navigating a new country and culture.
Say Yes! to Kids is back, and it’s going to be better than ever!
Who is eligible?Any parish in Canada with a vision for ministry and outreach to young people. When?For 2025, teams are set, but you can start thinking about 2026 now, and get in touch with Allie at youthandfamily@nspeidiocese.ca to talk more about what might be possible! Why?
- Raise the funds you need to bring your church’s vision for youth ministry to life.
- Receive fundraising and communications mentorship from AFC’s experienced team.
- Reconnect with families in your community by raising awareness about your youth programs.
- Benefit from an AFC-led effort to secure leadership donations, including matching gifts!
How much?
- Each team establishes its own fundraising goal.
- Salaries, equipment costs, and capital improvements can be included in your case for support.
I’m interested. What’s next?
- Visit anglicanfoundation.org/say-yes-to-kids and register for an upcoming webinar.
- Download our campaign FAQs sheet.
Join the movement and help our church grow a brighter future for young people, today.
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As a diocese, we are extremely excited about the opportunity that we have in Say Yes to Kids 2025 to raise funds for ministry for children and youth in our parishes. We are working away on opportunities and resources to support parishes as they explore possibilities and dream about what might happen, and we will post details here and in the NetNews as details come together.
For now, you will find more information about Say Yes to Kids on the Anglican Foundation website, here.