Youth helping to celebrate Canada’s 150th
By the end of this year, a group of about 55 young adults will have left behind 12 lasting reminders of how they helped the community celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial.
The group, comprising youth between the ages of 15 and 29, are members of the 150 Reasons Youth Project, a series of 12 events and initiatives designed and planned by them to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary.
The program, run by Volunteer Victoria, is made possible by funding from the Victoria Foundation and the Community Foundations of Canada.
“The group came together as strangers in January,” said George Colussi, volunteer-services associate with Volunteer Victoria. “They brought with them individual skills and gifts. They have used them to choose, plan and develop activities and events that will leave a tangible mark on the community.”
The 150 Reasons project is intended to facilitate youth leadership and community engagement. Through this project, the youths were given training in volunteer leadership and project management principles. With this base, they could then lead and direct up to 240 young adults in making their projects a reality.
Events completed include: • Plant 150 Trees — In partnership with Parks Canada and Fort Rodd Hill staff, the group spent Earth Day removing invasive species, planting trees and painting a mural. • Community Sports Day at Lambrick Park Field and School — In partnership with Lambrick Park Secondary School, along with youth from the school, the group organized a day-long series of sporting events — soccer matches, volleyball matches, tugof-war competition and others for community members. • Art Day at Vic West Skateboard Park — In partnership with the City of Victoria, members of the group engaged in a full day of art activities. Three large murals depicting iconic images of Victoria — the Inner Harbour, the legislature and the Empress — were created, with members of the community invited to add their touches.
According to Colussi, the goal of the project is help the participants develop new skills, showcase ideas that matter to them and get them working collaboratively with other participants, communities and neighbourhoods.
“Participants do all the planning, executing and debriefing. All we do is help facilitate and serve as stewards. We watch as they come as individuals, make friends, form bonds and develop skills. It is truly a transformational experience for everyone.”
For more information, go to volunteervictoria.bc.ca