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supporting future leaders

Red Deer & District Community Foundation, RBC Foundation announce $45,000 for local youth

Nov 29, 2019 | 2:38 PM

Red Deer & District Community Foundation and RBC Foundation have handed out a total of $45,000 to support three youth led initiatives in Central Alberta in the amount of $15,000 each.

The announcement was made Thursday afternoon at the Penhold Multiplex.

“We were so excited about the opportunity to create an event that will be more inclusive for all families,” said Tatyanna Stoesz a student leader of Art & Soul for Everyone in Sylvan Lake. “A huge thank you goes to the Red Deer & District Community Foundation and the RBC Foundation for giving students like us the chance to make our vision become a reality.”

The three recipients were Penhold Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) for Adult Preparedness, C.A.R.E. Immigrant Youth Program (SNAP) for a Diversity Retreat and HJ Cody High School for Art & Soul for Everyone (relaxed inclusion performances). Details regarding each initiative are found below.

As a part of the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge, grants like this one are being made to youth-led projects in 150 small and medium sized communities across Canada. The goal of the program is to shift the power to young leaders making positive social or environmental change in their communities, while gaining valuable skills and experience.

“Young people are not future leaders — they are leading social and environmental change right now. We are honoured to play a role in the bold change that youth are leading across the country through this national initiative with RBC,” says Andrew Chunilall, CEO of Community Foundations of Canada.

“RBC is committed to the power, vision and potential of youth, and the important role they play in their communities,” said Ron Sauve, RBC Regional Vice President. “We are thrilled to see the results of this important partnership with the CFC helping make a difference in communities across Canada.”

About the recipients:

Penhold Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) – Adult Preparedness

This group made up of students in grades 10 – 12, have recognized a gap in practical life skills between the time they are residing in their guardian homes to when they are living on their own and taking care of themselves. They will be using the $15,000 RBC Future Launch Community Challenge grant to facilitate workshops that focus on skills such as developing self-confidence, public speaking, cooking basics, budgeting for groceries, nutrition, basic first aid, basic vehicle maintenance, self-care techniques and art skills. The intent of these workshops is to provide youth with a wide range of skills for their lifetime ‘toolbox’.

C.A.R.E. Immigrant Youth Program (SNAP) – Diversity Retreat

Youth from four partnering organizations (C.A.R.E., Youth HQ, Urban Aboriginal Voices Society and Lindsey Thurber High School Leadership) will be participating in a three day workshop to combine their unique and diverse backgrounds to promote learning, relationship building and eliminating stereotypes. This workshop will not only increase cross-cultural awareness, dialogues and interactions among the youth, but will provide a platform for our immigrant youth to grow and be better positioned to act as influencers and leaders in Central Alberta. It will also increase the knowledge of reconciliation and restoration among indigenous peoples. Students will be able to step into society, share their knowledge and support other youth led projects that contribute to eliminating stereotypes.

HJ Cody High School – Art & Soul for Everyone

Students between the grades of 9 – 12 will develop performances that are designed for audience members who would benefit from a more relaxed sensory experience including, but not limited to, patrons with Autism Spectrum Disorder, dementia, hearing or vision impairment, sensory processing disorder, physical limitations or learning disabilities. By creating a space that all patrons can be comfortable within, families who are often unable to attend theatre productions will now be able to attend as an entire family units. Not only will the students be opening the doors of theatrical inclusion within their own school, but they are planning on providing mentorship to neighbouring schools and communities within Central Alberta to make relaxed performances the new norm.

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