An NHL Player. An internationally-renowned child psychiatrist. A TV sports commentator. A noted Canadian politician. What could these four individuals possibly have in common? They are all former Club kids and inductees into BGC Canada’s first-ever Alumni Hall of Fame. Taylor Hall, Dr. Jean Clinton, Kayla Grey, and Art Eggleton were inducted on May 31 at a Gala Event hosted by CBC’s Steve Patterson. 

Earlier this year, the BGC Alumni Hall of Fame was introduced as a way to celebrate and honour the notable accomplishments of former “Club Kids,” while also amplifying the impact of Clubs across the country, one of Canada’s best-kept secrets, according to the President & CEO of BGC Canada, Owen Charters.

“More people need to know about the work we do. BGC Canada provides more than after-school programs. From food programs to job training skills to mental health support, a Club is there when kids need it. More people need to understand what a Club means – without a stigma attached to it. We bring opportunity to kids.” 

For 125 years, BGC Canada (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs) has been creating opportunities for millions of kids and teens. As Canada’s largest child and youth-serving charitable and community services organization, Clubs open their doors to young people of all ages and their families at over 600 locations nationwide.

“Clubs are all of the things that kids should have and a detour away from all of the things that kids should not have. We’re an extension of the family. We are making sure that kids find their opportunities in life and take advantage of whatever we can give them so that they can come out the other end better adults.” 

While a team of dedicated staff plays a vital role at each Club, the true heart of every BGC Club is kids. They are empowered to be the best versions of themselves and to become the sculptors of their own lives. 

“The key thing is that this is the kid’s place, not the adult’s place. That’s why it’s called a Club. It’s a place where a kid belongs, more than anything else.”