CHARITIES HELP YOUTH SUCCEED

The Shaw Charity Classic has helped raise more than $22 million for charity in its five years of existence, and hopes to raise another $10 million this year. Most of the money comes through the Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink program, in which public donations are matched in a tiered program up to 50 per cent. This year, 182 charities are taking part. You can find the participating charities, and make donations, at shawcharityclassic.com under the Charity tab.

To truly understand the difference these charities make in helping children and youth — estimated to be 500,000 young Albertans this year — we let these young people describe their experiences.

HIGHBANKS SOCIETY (highbankssociety.ca)

“I dropped out of school in Grade 8, my father was an addict, and my mother worked multiple jobs just trying to keep food on the table. At 15, I was left to care for my three siblings and newborn son, and my life was in a state of turmoil. I doubted myself and struggled to believe I could ever be a good enough mother to my son. I knew my life needed to change and it did with the support of Highbanks.

“I was able to get a place of my own where I felt safe, respected, and supported by adults and my community.

“With the help of Highbanks staff and programming, I graduated high school and enrolled in university. My son is healthy and happy. Highbanks helped me believe in myself and that I could be a good mother. It feels incredible!”

— Brooklyn and Wesley

LITERACY FOR LIFE FOUNDATION DOG TALES PROGRAM (litforlife.com)

“My name is Owen and I am eight years old! I never used to like reading. Some of the words are really hard and I would get upset and so I didn’t want to read. I was so happy when my teacher told me I would be one of the kids reading to a dog at school! I am always excited to go to sleep Monday night because I know the next day is Tuesday and I get to read to one of the Dog Tales dogs!

“Since I started the program, my mom says my reading is a lot better and I don’t get so sad when I don’t know a word. We don’t have a dog at home so I read to my stuffed animals — they listen really well! I was really nervous the first day to read to a dog but it was AWESOME and I loved the program!”

— Owen

YOUTH CENTRAL (youthcentral.com)

“I’m passionate about making our oil-driven city as environmentally friendly as possible, and to contribute to the development of arts and culture in Calgary. I joined the TD Youth Earth Ambassadors at Youth Central and have been able to have my voice heard about environmental issues and sustainable practices. In the future, I’d like to work in public health or environmental policy. I want to help make Canada a leader in sustainability and a country that supports its citizens through strong social programs. I’d also love to travel as much as possible, and learn as many languages as I can.”

—Lucy

KIDS CANCER CARE (kidscancercare.ab.ca)

“My name is Foster and I am six. I have had leukemia since I was four. I cried when I lost my hair because I was worried people would make fun of me. I like going to Kids Cancer Care programs because there are other kids like me. I miss lots of school and swimming lessons because I am sick. You can go to Kids Cancer Care stuff even when you are sick. I really like their camp. This summer I went to camp with my big sister. When I grow up I want to be the prime minister of Canada so I can help lots of people.”

— Foster