Laurier’s Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities launches Toyota STEM and Sport children’s program in Brantford

Oct. 20, 2025
For Immediate Release

BRANTFORD – The Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities at Wilfrid Laurier University is giving local children a new opportunity to learn and play with the launch of Toyota STEM and Sport, a free evening program that combines physical activity with hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning.

Following a successful debut in Waterloo earlier this year, the Brantford program kicks off Oct. 21 at Russell Reid Public School and invites local children ages 9 to 12 to explore STEM concepts through sport-based games and activities. From measuring heart rates with Fitbits to learning coding through football drills, participants will discover how science and sports intersect in fun, engaging ways that get them moving while they learn.

“We’re really intentional with the activities we design,” said Nicole Vandermade, program manager with the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities. “Some kids come for the sports and end up discovering a love of science. Others come for the STEM side and get to experience the joy of physical activity. It’s a great way to marry those two worlds.”

Sponsored by Toyota and delivered locally by the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities, Toyota STEM and Sport reflects the centre’s mission to break down barriers to healthy living by offering cost-free programs in the communities of Brantford, Waterloo and Kitchener. All centre programming emphasizes inclusion, accessibility and the development of fundamental movement skills to help children build confidence and stay active for life.

“We know access to quality, no-cost physical activity programs is limited in our communities,” said Vandermade. “Programs like this help fill that gap and they do it in a way that gets kids excited to learn, move and connect.”

The program’s seven weekly sessions will be led by Laurier Brantford student instructors. Registration is capped at 20 children to maintain a quality experience and personalized instruction.

The Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities operates as a non-profit research and outreach organization within Laurier’s Kinesiology and Physical Education Department. With Sun Life’s generous $1.25 million in total funding support, including a $750,000 gift in 2023, the centre delivers evidence-based community wellness programs designed to foster vibrant and healthy communities. Nearly 1,000 participants benefit from the centre’s programs in Brantford, Waterloo and Kitchener each year.

“The support of both Sun Life and Toyota make programs like STEM and Sport possible,” said Alanna Harman, executive director of the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities. “It allows us to provide accessible, research-driven programming that empowers families and inspires kids to lead healthier, more active lives.”

Toyota STEM and Sport joins other Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities programs offered in Brantford including Sports Galore, which focuses on building children’s physical literacy and life skills through play, and Active Integration, which engages new Canadian women with a combination of physical activity and social time while providing free child care.

Families can register their children for Toyota STEM and Sport through the centre’s website at sunlifechc.ca or directly via the registration form.