Mackenzie youth centre gets grant

A grant worth $100,000 is headed to The 92, a youth centre in Mackenzie run by Youth For Christ.

The funding comes from the Aviva Community Fund that earmarked $1 million during its 10th anniversary year for ideas that meaningfully impact local communities.

Recently, Youth For Christ was given the former Hope Trinity Church at 92 Centennial Dr. in Mackenzie and the funding will provide the means to do extensive renovations to the building to make it a community youth centre.

Youth For Christ Prince George helps young people discover their God-given hope and potential, executive director Stephen Swan said in a news release.

“We do this by holistically caring for young people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs,” Swan said. “We serve over 600 youth in P.G. and Mackenzie every week through our school food programs, youth drop-in centres and support groups.”

Volunteers and staff have worked in Mackenzie for years through the church and community partners.

“One of the needs we consistently heard was for a youth centre,” Swan said. “We are so thrilled that with these funds we’ll not only be better able to serve youth through our programs, but we’re also going to open up this facility to other youth-serving organizations in Mackenzie as well and serve the community that way.”