A group of local youth are proving that caring at any age can have a big impact on other young people's lives.
100 Youth Who Care - Central York Region is celebrating its third anniversary this month, with thousands of dollars raised and donated to local non-profit organizations that support youth.
Since its inception, the group has made donations totalling more than $7,900 to groups serving Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury children, including Welcoming Arms, Starlight Children's Foundation, Kerry's Place, Blue Door Shelters, CCAA, Newmarket Food Pantry, Abuse Hurts, Autism Ontario and 360Kids.
At the upcoming anniversary celebration, Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the RBC branch at 17770 Yonge St. (at Dawson Manor Blvd.), a cheque for $750 will be presented to the next recipient, Girls Inc. of York Region.
Barb Wallace, executive director of Girls Inc. of York Region, will attend to tell the group how their donation has positively transformed the lives of youth in our communities.
"Our youth are excited to be hosting their third anniversary of 100 Youth Who Care," said parent mentor Jenny Cooper. "They have worked to create a new, interactive and more dynamic meeting that includes icebreakers, videos, the unveiling of a new 100 Youth Who Care - CYR logo and lots of refreshments and cake."
The giving back formula is simple: the group meets for one hour four times a year, and at each meeting, each member contributes $10, totalling $40 each for the year, adding up to $4,000 in donations to four local charities annually.
All of the money raised from the members, as well as sponsors, goes to the non-profit organizations, which are chosen by vote at each quarterly meeting.
The group is inviting new members aged 10 to 17 who want to make a difference in their community to join.
“Our group inspires youth to contribute to their community, engages youth in local initiatives to help others, and empowers youth to create positive change locally,” she said.
The young people donate their time, energy and skills to work collaboratively with other youth to create positive change locally, Cooper said.
The volunteer group also provides youth with an opportunity to enhance their leadership and communication skills, and connect with like-minded families and youth in the community.
Member Sydney Cooper, a Grade 8 student, said the group is also inviting new sponsors to get involved.
“We would love to be able to donate more money to local non-profit organizations that help youth, and one way is to engage a local business as a sponsor,” she said. “There are many ways for a business to get involved, they can supply food for our meetings, donate a gift for a raffle draw each meeting or match our youth donation.”
Current sponsors include RBC, which provides quarterly meeting space, realtor Kristina Clement, and TriCan Contract.
To join, you can submit an online registration, or download the form at 100youthwhocarecentralyorkregion.com
Or, you can attend the Nov. 20, 7 to 8 p.m. meeting at RBC, 17770 Yonge St.
For more information, visit here email [email protected], on Facebook visit 100 YOUTH Who Care – CYR, or call 416-888-3421.
100 Youth Who Care -CYR is a volunteer, non-profit group that belongs to an international 100 Who Care movement.
