Our Mission
Our mission is to assist Vancouver unhoused and at–risk-youth. We do this in two ways: 1) through our community-based Project Backpack campaign (“PBP”) and, 2) through the H.E.L.P. Bursary Fund.
About H.E.L.P. for Youth Canada Society
Project Backpack is a community-based educational initiative that helps Vancouver unhoused youth survive on the street, through the collection and distribution of backpacks stuffed with essential items.
PBP donates new backpacks which are then filled by donors. The packs are donated to youth shelters for distribution.
Now in its 19th year, PBP works closely with schools and businesses to educate the community about the unhoused youth issue in Vancouver. Informative presentations are given to schools & businesses, where social/case workers, along with a HYC member, address the real questions as to why youth end up on the street, and how the act of stuffing a backpack can make a difference.
Testimonials:
“It was very comforting knowing that providing these basic necessities to unhoused youth within Vancouver can mean everything to them. This initiative is truly one of a kind and I would love to participate again in the future!”
– Julia, Student, Southridge School
“Project Backpack is an annual tradition at our school; a campaign that offers our school community an opportunity to give back. This act of service allows our student to help local young people in need while at the same time offering insight into the challenges & injustices of being unhoused.”
– Educator, Southridge School
“The donations received from project back pack “makes a huge difference sometimes when I can’t afford certain things such as hygiene products or clothes I get down because I feel gross. Getting judged as an unhoused person is bad enough, so feeling clean definitely gives me a moral boost. Also it definitely sucks to be cold; mittens are very good to have when sleeping outside.”
– Unhoused Youth
The H.E.L.P. Bursary Fund gives at-risk youth the chance at a better life. We believe that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves the chance to obtain an education, leading to a good job and a path out of poverty. We achieve this by working closely with local youth agencies who recommend motivated, school-ready youth for our bursaries. Together, as a team, we work to provide wrap-around care to ensure each bursary youth stands the best chance of success.
The fund offers full & partial tuition to those who qualify, and all youth who partner with HYC must work with a HYC mentor &/or social worker.
Testimonials:
“The HELP Youth bursary program covers more than just tuition. They check up on the students, and they advocate for them. They ensure that the students have what they need to be successful. I am so thankful that when my students move onto post-secondary, that HELP Youth is there to support them.”
– Bursary Recipient Support Worker
“The unwavering support I have received from HELP youth Canada society has enabled me to continue my educational journey. I am one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a social worker. HELP has made sure that my daughters and I do not fall into the cracks. We did not become statistics of girls and women who lose their lives due to violence. Now, I dare to imagine a reality where my family and I can live a life free from abuse. I can imagine a reality where poverty can no longer devour our existence. I am immensely grateful towards this organization and its members for giving us a second chance at life.”
– Bursary Recipient