YCL project moving forward

YMCA North Bay
News Release

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The Young Community Leaders Project (YCL) is moving forward in North Bay and local staff is inviting community members to join them as they announce the launch of an exciting local initiative. The celebratory event will take place at the North Bay YMCA at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 and will give community members an opportunity to meet some of the youth involved in this three and a half year initiative, which is the result of receiving a Province-Wide grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

“Programs like these shape the youth of our communities, and in turn, shape our future leaders,” said Nipissing MPP Monique Smith. “Volunteering helps our young people succeed in life and feel connected to their community.”
The project is the result of a partnership between the ICA Canada’s Youth as Facilitative Leaders (YFL) program and YMCA North Bay. The Foundation funds will cover a wide range of project activities including leadership training and skills development for youth volunteers. Regional Coordinator, Brian Finner, is the local staff member working with the core group of youth volunteers who will be conducting extensive community consultations throughout the next 6 months. The information gathered by the young leaders will inform the development and implementation of youth-driven projects in the North Bay area.

“The OTF funds are making the continuation and sustainability of the Young Community Leaders Project possible,” said Mr. Finner. “We’re really very thankful for Trillium’s commitment to initiatives in Northern Ontario that are aimed at getting youth more involved in their communities.”

The North Bay YMCA is a charitable association that provides physical, social and emotional growth for all sectors of the community by bringing quality of life through health, fitness and recreation. YFL is a youth-led leadership training and mentorship initiative that works with young people from diverse backgrounds to develop the confidence, values and skills necessary to take the lead in building vibrant, inclusive communities.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. The Foundation allocates grants to eligible charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the arts and culture, environment, human and social services and sports and recreation sectors.

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