Vancouver, BC — For more than ten years, the Sidoo Family Giving Foundation has been providing essential support to Vancouver’s homeless community during the holiday season. Their annual initiative in the Downtown Eastside has become a much-anticipated tradition, bringing warmth, food, clothing, medical aid, and a sense of hope to thousands of individuals facing immense challenges during Christmas.

The Sidoo Family Giving Foundation has made it their mission to give back to those who are often overlooked and marginalized in society. Their consistent presence in the DTES—especially during the holiday season—has not only alleviated immediate needs but also sparked a wave of compassion and community involvement that has grown year after year.

A Tradition of Giving: Christmas for the Homeless

Since its inception, the Sidoo Family Giving Foundation’s Christmas for the Homeless event has grown into a cornerstone of the organization’s charitable work. During this annual event, volunteers and community partners come together to distribute hot meals, winter clothing, blankets, and hygiene products to individuals in need. But perhaps the most important gift shared is the spirit of care and human connection.

“It’s more than just distributing food or a coat,” says Sidoo Family Giving Foundation Director David Sidoo. “Our mission is to make sure that people in the DTES feel seen and valued, especially during a time of year when loneliness and isolation are so pronounced. Each year, we bring more than just material support—we bring a message of hope, dignity, and inclusion.”

Building a Community of Compassion

The foundation’s efforts have reached far beyond just one-day events; they have cultivated a culture of compassion and civic engagement throughout Vancouver. Volunteers, donors, and members of the community join in every year to ensure that this initiative continues to grow. The Sidoo Family Giving Foundation actively encourages the public to take part in this ongoing mission by volunteering, donating, or simply raising awareness about the struggles facing the homeless population.

“The foundation’s work has inspired so many of us to get involved, not just during Christmas but throughout the year,” says Dylan, a long-time volunteer. “It’s a reminder that even if we can’t solve every problem, our presence and actions can have a lasting impact.”

The foundation has also worked to address larger systemic issues related to homelessness, such as the lack of affordable housing and the need for better mental health and addiction services. While the goal of ending homelessness is far from easy, the Sidoo Family Giving Foundation believes that addressing immediate needs with compassion and respect can create a ripple effect that leads to longer-term positive change.

A Call to Action: How You Can Make a Difference

This holiday season, the Sidoo Family Giving Foundation continues its work to help the homeless community in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Whether it’s donating items, volunteering time, or contributing to their mission financially, there are many ways for individuals and organizations to get involved.

“We are grateful to our supporters and volunteers, and we hope to inspire others to help,” says Jordan Sidoo. “Even the smallest contribution can make a big difference. Together, we can create a community where no one feels forgotten.”

About the Sidoo Family Giving Foundation

The Sidoo Family Giving Foundation is a Vancouver-based charitable organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged communities both locally and globally. Through various initiatives, including homelessness outreach, healthcare support, and educational scholarships, the foundation strives to create lasting positive change.

Founded by two dedicated coaches from Lower Mainland, this soccer academy aims to make world-class training and infrastructure accessible to all soccer enthusiasts

From the rise of grassroots teams to World Cup and Olympic performances, and FIFA World Cup coming to this continent, soccer in Canada has truly found its footing. Accessible for kids of all backgrounds and financially manageable for parents, soccer has grown exponentially as a recreational sport. However, high-level coaching, international exposure, and skill development remain a privilege — either for the exceptionally gifted players or those able to spare some extra buck.

Driven by a dream to elevate soccer training in Canada and make individual-focused coaching accessible to players with different skill sets, Justin Sidhu, a soccer player from the Lower Mainland, teamed up with coach Yaw Osei to find Supra Academy in 2017.

“Our goal is to provide player-centered, world-class, professional soccer training for players at all levels through exceptional programs, coaching, and facilities” informs Justin. “Prior to starting a full-time soccer academy, Osei and I delivered athletic training for teams and clubs around the Lower Mainland. We realized there was a significant gap between the soccer programs delivered at the youth level and those delivered in the professional youth environment. And professional training environments were only reserved for the “elite” players in that environment. We believed that to train players to reach higher levels of the game, professional training environments should be available to every player.”

With this in mind, the duo laid the foundation of Supra Academy which started modestly with six players. Today, it boasts a team of highly qualified trainers and coaches working with over 200 young athletes—boys and girls, aged 5 to 18. The academy has successfully placed numerous players at professional levels. Jeevan Badwal, one of the first South Asian kids to join the Vancouver Whitecaps, is a product of Supra Academy.

Grady McDonnell, the youngest player to ever sign a professional contract in the Canadian Premier League, was also part of the Supra Academy. McDonnell plays for Vancouver FC. He played with the Supra Academy, until age 13, and spent some time with the Whitecaps FC Pre-Academy, before officially joining the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy in August 2022.

At just 14 years old, Niko Wood has already achieved a remarkable milestone in his football career. After showcasing his talent at the Rotterdam Orange Veins Cup U15 in April 2023 while representing Supra Academy, Niko has now joined SC Heerenveen. Their athlete Matteo Rizzo signed with first division Eredivise club FC Utrecht in 2023. Almost 20 players joined Whitecaps Academy, and 9 in European Football with teams of Spain, Netherlands, Denmark, Czech Republic and Serbia.

The academy focuses on addressing technical weaknesses while continually enhancing each player’s tactical knowledge and confidence. Supra Academy’s Soccer Skills Centre program is designed for players aged 4 to 12, who may already be part of other teams or clubs but wish to experience Supra’s elite training sessions without committing to a full academy season.

For those seeking more tailored development, private soccer training programs are available. These sessions offer focused attention on specific skill areas or general improvement. The academy also uses cutting-edge technology, including Veo cameras, to record and analyze matches. These tools allow players and coaches to review performances and make adjustments.

Supra’s invite only development programs offer players opportunity to travel both nationally and internationally. The Ace team program players participate in many local and travel tournaments in the USA and Europe. The Alpha development team high level group which gives players the opportunity to travel on a less frequent basis yet still play as many competitions to best complement each player’s development.

What sets Supra Academy apart is its Achieve Soccer Performance Centre—a unique residency and soccer preparation program. “It’s a one-of-a-kind program for players aiming for collegiate, university, and professional soccer opportunities,” explains Justin. “Players spend half of their day in school and the other half training. They dedicate over 25 hours a week to technical, team, and strength training, as well as speed development, mental skills, nutrition, yoga, and rehab. We even do concussion testing and provide personal health coaches. It’s designed to replicate the experience of professional youth academies in Europe’s biggest clubs.”

Accessibility is at the heart of Supra Academy’s mission. To ensure that financial limitations don’t prevent talented players from reaching their potential, the academy has partnered with Sidoo Family Giving Foundation. Jordan Sidoo, part of the Foundation is also the operations head of Supra Academy. He says his role is to ensure that no kid is denied the opportunity to play the sport and participate in international tournaments due to financial constraints. Therefore, his family foundation generously contributes and sponsors players who are part of the academy.

Looking ahead, Justin’s vision is for Supra Academy to grow both nationally and internationally. “With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Canada has a real shot at being recognized as a soccer nation. There’s so much talent here, and more eyes are turning toward Canadian players. I hope our national team continues to grow, and that the Canadian Premier League becomes a major force. There’s no limit to where we can go.”

Congratulations to Emerson Bauer who is the recipient of the Sidoo Family Giving scholarship!  

My Son Jordan Sidoo, who is a passionate soccer fan and former student athlete, and I are very excited to continue to support young student athletes, who have special talents, reach their potential and ultimate dream. Emerson will be able to display his talent in the UK for all to see. Good luck to him and the Supra team.  

“We continue to support those young student athletes that are very talented but unable to afford to go on life changing trips. Experiences like this” 

– David Sidoo

Sidoo Family Giving is proud to be supporters of the Kids Play Foundation. It is a wonderful organization helping kids enjoy sports of all kinds. Thank you to Kal Dosanjh for making this wonderful Foundation happen!

Jordan Sidoo, Warren Moon, & Dylan Sidoo

On July 23^rd, 2015 Jordan and Dylan Sidoo joined Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and nine-time Pro Bowl selection Warren Moon on the mound at Angels’ Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Sidoo brothers were celebrating this year’s Crescent Moon Foundation Scholarship award winners and the recently formed partnership between Sidoo Family Giving and the Crescent Moon Foundation.

Jordan and Dylan, who head up Sidoo Family Giving, have always been deeply committed to help enhance the lives of those less fortunate in their home town of Vancouver, BC, Canada. They come by it honestly, as their parents, David and Manjy Sidoo, have set a strong example of community leadership and stewardship through their many philanthropic endeavors in their Lower Mainland community.

Their strong sense of obligation to give back to their community in Canada has grown international wings as the brothers have led the charge in partnering with the Crescent Moon Foundation to help youth in America as well.

The Crescent Moon Foundation Scholarship Award Winners, Jordan Sidoo, Dylan Sidoo and Warren Moon.

The Crescent Moon Foundation is a logical strategic partner for Sidoo Family Giving, as both organizations share a very similar mission:

Established in 1989, the Crescent Moon Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for educational pursuits that will benefit children most in need who have displayed a commitment to their community, as well as other charitable causes. As part of the Crescent Moon Foundation’s mission, the Rising Moon Scholarship Program awards ten scholarships of up to $5,000 annually to students that demonstrate a commitment to their community, excel in leadership and academics, and who are in need.

“My mother taught me at a young age the importance of giving back,” said Moon, a Los Angeles native and Washington Huskies alum. “Unfortunately, not all kids today have someone guiding them or providing them with the means for success. It is my sincere hope the Crescent Moon Foundation can assist in that regard.”

For more information on the Crescent Moon Foundation: http://www.crescentmoonfoundation.org/

Additional photos of the California event can be seen at the Crescent Moon Foundation Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HWarrenMoon1

Along with 15 other civic leaders in the Province, David Sidoo will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia on July 26, 2016. This year more than 215 British Columbians were nominated for the Order of B.C. and just 16 were selected by the seven-member independent advisory committee.

According to the Province of British Columbia’s June 14, 2016 press release,

“British Columbia’s greatest strength is British Columbians – people who use their talents and passions to make a difference both here at home and, in many cases, around the world,” Premier Christy Clark said. “On behalf of all British Columbians, I want to thank this year’s recipients for their dedication, and everything they do to make B.C. a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.”

Further, the Province of BC released the following statement to explain why Sidoo will be appointed the award:

 “Sporting legend and successful investment banker David Sidoo has leveraged his success to become a leading philanthropist and a catalyst for improving the lives of many British Columbians through his support of many programs.He has been most impactful in making a difference in the lives of youth all across British Columbia.  David and his wife, Manjy, started Sidoo Family Giving, an organization actively involved in the community for the betterment of families and at-risk youth of all ages, specifically supporting children’s breakfast programs, children’s cancer research, mentoring programs, teenage sports programs and community scholarships. Additionally the Sidoo Family Athletics Endowment is the largest of its kind at UBC.”

 For more information, please read the Province of BC’s press release and the article on the UBC Thunderbirds website.

 Congratulations, David!

PRESS RELEASE

Applications open for KSF: Artists of Choice Awards 2016

The KSF has announced the launch of this year’s KSF Artists of Choice Awards, their flagship funding and mentoring initiative for emerging artists in the genres of Theatre, Dance, Film and Musical Theatre. Applications are open to artists resident in the UK, USA; and for the first time this year, Canada made possible by a partnership with KSF and Manjy and David Sidoo and the support of The Sidoo Family Giving Foundation.

KSF Artists of Choice Awards will be made to four UK-based, four US-based and four Canada-based artists or companies, each will receive up to £10,000 or $10,000 in funding, year-round in-kind support from KSF and an industry mentor.

2015 UK recipient Robby Graham of Southpaw Dance Company said of the Awards, “It isn’t just a pot of money, it is more importantly a package of support tailored by people who are passionate about artistic development and who believe in your work.”

Applications are open now on the KSF website closing on Friday 4 March 2016. Applicants will then be shortlisted and in-person interviews with an industry panel will take place in early May 2016. The Awards are open to emerging artists in Theatre, Dance, Film or Musical Theatre who have an exciting, creative and unique project. Those applying will also be required to provide an industry referee that knows their work as well as examples of previous projects or reviews.

Founder of KSF said:

“Last year’s recipients have proven to be accomplished artists and have benefitted hugely from the support of my foundation and their individual mentors. I’m very much looking forward to reviewing this year’s applications and seeing what creativity comes our way from Canada as well as the UK and USA.”

Steve Winter, Executive/Creative Director of KSF, said:

“It has been massively satisfying to not only see the work develop but also the relationships between the artists we’ve supported. I know they have been inspired by each other and the commitment they’ve shown to developing their craft. I feel certain this year’s applicants will be just as enthusiastic and inventive with their project applications.”

Manjy and David Sidoo, Founders of the Sidoo Family Giving, said:

“We are pleased to be supporting and working with the KSF and supporting the arts in Canada. We are excited to see this year’s applicants from Canada.”

A panel of respected creatives will help select the recipients. Last year’s panel included film director Andrew Haigh (Weekend), Head of BBC Films Christine Langan, Director of Europe for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Carola Ash, Atlantic Theater’s Artistic Director Neil Pepe, American Ballet Theater’s Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie, actor Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife), theatre director Jamie Lloyd, actress and singer Laura- Michelle Kelly (Finding Neverland), English National Ballet’s Tamara Rojo, actress and singer Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple), musical director Ted Sperling and choreographer Wayne McGregor,

The Foundation launched the KSF Artists of Choice Awards in 2015 receiving over 1,200 applications. Awards were made to nine emerging artists. With the expansion of the award to Canada the Foundation hopes to build on its previous success, highlighting the rich diversity of talent there. Previous recipients of the KSF Artists of Choice Awards include:

DANCE USA: Stefanie Batten Bland of Company SBB. The company presented their work Patient(ce) at Harlem Stage, New York, last year. The piece introduced crowds to a performance that examined the critical relationship that the musical, physical and visual arts have with space and time.

THEATER (USA): Ghazi Albuliwi of West Bank Brooklyn Productions. His production of Highly Suspect debuted in December 2015 in New York starring the Obie award-winning actor John Douglas Thompson. The New Group and director Ian Morgan mentored the project.

FILM (USA): India Dupré. Stripped is a true story of family survival, matriarchal sacrifice and forgiveness. In 1979, after being lured to Australia with the promise of a better life and having her three young British children placed in work camps as part of a “Keep Australia White” scheme, a shy yet determined mother becomes a stripper to survive, kidnapping her children back and fleeing across Australia.

MUSICAL THEATER (USA): New York based artists John McGrew, Jonathan Karpinos and Joseph Varca are focused on developing new works exploring the intersection of storytelling and music. The Village of Vale is an original gothic fairytale told through music, art, the written word and performance. Four actors and an eight-person live band create the stories of villagers and strangers in Vale.

DANCE (UK): Robby Graham of Southpaw Dance Company. The company will debut their work Speakeasy at Dance City, Newcastle in March 2016. The piece is a modern interpretation of the classic tale ‘Faust’ featuring Breaking, Charleston and Lindy.

THEATRE (UK): Cressida Brown of Offstage Theatre. Re:Home focuses on the effect of austerity, regeneration, and the Olympics on the residents of the Beaumont Estate, East London; and is a sequel to their first play Home. Re:Home debuted at The Yard, London in February 2016.

FILM (UK): Michael Van Der Put of Broken Hearted Youth. Played out on a five-a-side football pitch Rage explores political anger and apathy felt in the aftermath of the London riots. The project will complete it’s filming later this year.

MUSICAL THEATRE (UK): Writer Chris Bush and Composer Matt Winkworth are developing a new work written in faux- verbatim style. The musical examines the events following the assassination of a controversial public figure.

Timeline:

• Applications open: Now
• Applications close: Friday 4 March 2016
• Interviews: Monday 2 – Monday 9 May 2016
• Awards Made: Early June 2016

Notes to Editors:


Contact: Steve Winter

ABOUT KSF

The purpose of KSF is to discover, train, fund and mentor emerging artists in drama, dance, music, and film as well as developing life enhancing theatre-in-education projects across the globe, in line with its vision statement to: ‘Send the elevator back down’.

KSF’s recipients are those seeking a career in the performing arts and film predominately – but not limited to – secondary school children, further and continuing education students, undergraduates (freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors), post graduates, graduates or those without formal education but the talent and drive to succeed.

David Sidoo Honoured at 100 Year Journey Gala

On October 3^rd, 2015 David and Manjy Sidoo were honoured to attend the 2^nd annual 100 Year Journey gala at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver. More than 500 of the greater Vancouver area’s community leaders from political, business and social sectors were in attendance, with partial proceeds from the event going to support a reprint of the 100 Year Journey book for distribution to schools throughout BC and to support the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation.

The event, which was hosted by the former publishers of Mehfil Magazine, is intended to honour South Asian pioneers and navigators in Canada.

The 100 Year Journey Project was established in 2014 by Rana Vig, the former publisher of Mehfil Magazine, to celebrate South Asian pioneers in Canada. A website and book of the same name book share and immortalize their stories as a timeless resource that contributes to the preservation of South Asian heritage and history that does not currently exist in Canadian textbooks. The publication has been approved for use in several school districts in British Columbia, and the publisher plans to expand its reach across the country.

The 2nd annual 100 Year Journey gala at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel

For more information visit 100yearjourney.com

David Sidoo Named in UBC Education’s Year of Alumni 100

On September 30, 2015, UBC celebrates its 100th year and in line with the centennial the Faculty of Education has announced its Year of Alumni initiative. From September 2015 through August 2016, the Faculty “will recognize the achievements of 100 outstanding and diverse alumni.”

We are delighted to share that David Sidoo has been named as one of the 100 alumni to be highlighted throughout the year. The announcement has already been made on the UBC website.

View David’s Year of Alumni 100 profile on the UBC website here.

Jordan Sidoo Receives Michael Cuccione Foundation’s 2015 “Leader of Tomorrow” Scholarship

For the past several years, Jordan Sidoo has dedicated considerable time and effort to a fundraising cause that is very dear to his heart – breakfast programs in elementary and secondary schools in the New Westminster and Vancouver areas of BC. Jordan has raised and donated thousands of dollars to support breakfast clubs in the schools and ensure that children start the day with a nutritious breakfast.

Jordan says he had a privileged life, so helping pay for breakfast for needy children “is the least I can do.”

Domenic and Gloria Cuccione of the Michael Cuccione Foundation recognized Jordan’s efforts and on July 20^th, 2015 at the reception for the 5^th Annual MOJ’s Whistler Shootout Golf Tournament, present Jordan the “ Leader of Tomorrow” Scholarship Award for his positive outlook and unyielding drive to succeed in the face of adversity.

Since 1997 the Michael Cuccione Foundation has been raising research dollars to help find the cure for cancer. Michael James Cuccione was born on January 5th 1985 in Burnaby, British Columbia and was blessed with many talents: he was a singer, songwriter, a dancer, actor, and motivational speaker and became a dedicated crusader for the fight against childhood cancer. He once described his life as almost perfect with a loving family: father Domenic, mother Gloria, his sister Sophia and younger brother Steve.

Michael Cuccione Foundation’s 2015 “Leader of Tomorrow” Scholarship

Michael fought a personal battle against childhood cancer and from the beginning declared he wanted to make a difference. He wrote his own songs that would give people hope and help raise funds for childhood cancer research, produced his own CD and called it “Make A Difference”, and by the age of eleven years old he raised $130,000 in CD sales. A meeting was set up with the President at BC Children’s Hospital and when Michael sat down he was asked, “What do you want to do with the money you have raised?” Michael said, “I want to fund the young researchers because if we don’t we won’t have them in the future”. The President almost fell off her chair with the incredible insight. This is how the Michael Cuccione Foundation began.

Although Michael won his battle with this disease, he passed away at the tender age of 16 due to respiratory complications; however, he continues to “Make A Difference” through the legacy of his foundation.

For more information about the Michael Cuccione Foundation visit www.michaelcuccione.biz/?user=GD