Co-founded in 1995 by Toronto Police Service’s Chief Bill Blair and Bayside Rowing Club’s Head Coach Dominic Kahn, the Eric The Red Rowing League for Kids get officers and kids “pulling together” for a safer and healthier community. Many kids who live in Toronto’s inner-city live in conditions that expose them to a disproportionate amount of crime and negative experiences. Since rowing teaches kid
s about teamwork like no other sport, Eric The Red Rowing League for Kids has proven to be one of the most effective programs for engaging youth in a positive way that they would not have the opportunity otherwise. We engage these youth with local police officers to get them active and pulling together. Since 1995, we have raised over $4 Million and hosted over 10,000 kids through the program. Amongst the many successful university and college graduates, in particular, three have graduated from Harvard University, one from Princeton University, and one from Yale University. In fact, Eric The Red is also an award winning program. Founder Dominic Kahn was recently awarded the 2010 Rotary Club of Toronto Award for Youth Impact in recognition for his work with Eric The Red and his many years of contributions to youth in Toronto. Where We Are Today
In summary, the last 19 years has seen the idea of “cops and kids rowing” evolve and grow into the exceptional program that is Eric The Red Rowing League for Kids. Eric The Red is now poised to have a major impact on youth at-risk in Toronto. In 2013, we engaged officers, university students and 500 inner-city kids from all high priority areas of the city: another resounding success.
