Levelling Up Toronto's Youth: ivari’s Support Brings Five New Level Up Programs
At Beat the Streets, we're thrilled to announce the expansion of our Level Up program, which is made possible by the generous support of ivari’s Healthy Steps Program. This partnership enables us to launch five new programs, reaching over 100 low-income youth across the Greater Toronto Area.
Addressing a Growing Need
Recent reports reveal a concerning rise in child poverty in Toronto. Between 2020 and 2022, the child poverty rate escalated from 16.8% to 25.3%, marking an 8.5 percentage point increase. That means an estimated 117,890 children in the city lived in low-income families in 2022 alone (https://www.socialplanningtoronto.org/childpoverty2024).
In communities facing these challenges, programs like Level Up are essential. By integrating combat sports – such as boxing, wrestling, and kickboxing – with evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL), Level Up offers a holistic approach to youth development. Students build physical literacy, mental resilience, and the confidence needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
A Proven Impact
Since its inception, Level Up has demonstrated significant positive outcomes:
Increased physical activity and healthier lifestyles
Improved emotional well-being and stress management skills
Greater self-confidence and resilience through skill-building and mentorship
From 2021 to 2023, with ivari’s support, Beat the Streets:
Delivered 48 hours of combat sports programming and 32 hours of SEL sessions
Served over 250 low-income youth
Boosted students’ confidence, motivation, and emotional regulation
As one student shared, “I learned that once I put my mind to something, I can do anything.”
Building a Brighter Future Together
When youth are physically active and emotionally supported, they’re better equipped to succeed in school and life. By funding Level Up, ivari is helping lay the foundation for long-term academic achievement, mental wellness, and community strength.
About ivari
ivari is a Canadian life insurance company committed to supporting healthier communities. Through its Healthy Steps Program, it funds organizations that teach youth to build lifelong habits of active living, healthy eating, and health education.
Learn more about their work at ivari.ca.
From all of us at Beat the Streets, thank you, ivari, for believing in every young person's potential and helping us increase our impact.
About Beat the Streets:
At Beat the Streets, our mission is to advance the education of low-income children and youth in the Greater Toronto Area through fun and unique wrestling, life skills, and employment-based development programs. Since 2015, we have served over 28,000 young individuals through our Wrestle 4 Fun, Level Up, You Grow Girl, Work It Girl, After-School and Open Mat Sessions programs, providing them with opportunities to develop their physical, mental, and social well-being. We believe in empowering the next generation by breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success.
Join us in our mission to impact youth:
Join us in making a difference by supporting our cause and learning more about how you can contribute to the education and growth of children and youth in need. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all.
