NEWS RELEASE
COLLINGWOOD YOUTH CENTRE (CYC)
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While the pandemic has still kept some people feeling isolated, the CYC Youth Council decided to take action and create a loving Valentine's day for our community.
The council decided to reach out to local organizations with the hope that they could prepare 120 gift bags for clients at E3 Community living, Chartwell Retirement residence, Home Horizons, My Friends House and Hospice Georgian Triangle.
It was incredibly well-received and is just another example of the positive impact youth can have when inspired and given the chance to help others.
These bags were filled with cards and stickers (designed by youth at the CYC), chocolate, and small goodies that will be distributed between the above organizations.
The youth council hit the ground running! They have received over 200 responses for their Community Youth Needs Assessment, have helped pack backpacks for the Backyard Backpack Initiative (Lauren Jeffery), and promoted awareness based around food insecurity through the ‘Project Butterfly’ campaign.
They will be involved with lots of upcoming projects including raising money and walking in The Coldest Night walk to raise money for Home Horizons and a joint mentor event for international women's day with Girl Time Inc.
“It felt amazing just being able to work on something that I knew would help out those in need," explainedHenry Savill, a 16-year-old from Pretty River Academy student. "It also just feels great to be able to help people because for the most part we live in a very privileged community.”
“Putting those bags together tonight made me feel amazing because I know these bags are going to great people in the community! This was also another great way for the Youth Council to work as a team,” said Collingwood Collegiate Institute student Nathan Bedard, 15.
With increasing demand for mental health support, the Collingwood Youth Centre continues to provide in-person programs to support our youth and help to forge meaningful relationships between peers. Providing a safe and inclusive space for youth to express themselves is our number one priority.
“We want youth to build the skills that will take them wherever they want to go," Lea Pankhurst, Community Development Director at the CYC. We believe that if you invest in our youth, encourage their curiosity, and appreciate their talents and innovative ideas, they will flourish. In our view, youth is the foundation of a strong future and thriving Collingwood community.”
The Collingwood Youth Centre is a safe, relaxing, and respectful environment that celebrates youth culture. With safety comes freedom for youth to explore opportunities for personal development and achieve new goals. The CYC is home to a recording studio, a culinary kitchen, video games, a digital technology centre, and plenty more! Think of the Youth Centre as a hub where youth can learn, socialise, and have fun.
The Collingwood Youth Centre is co-managed by The Environment Network and Elephant Thoughts with the CYC Youth Council funded by Ontario Trillium and The Town of Collingwood Parks/Rec Grant.
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