2023 Year-End News from HELP YOUTH CANADA & PROJECT BACKPACK

PROJECT BACKPACK – 18^th Annual:

As we say good-bye to 2023 we have much to be thankful for. We continue to work within the community to help marginalized & unhoused youth. None of this could be possible without the continued support of our partners, caring students & donors. And we are humbled & thankful for everyone’s support. Youth helping youth is truly a powerful thing: The 18th annual PBP campaign is well underway, with 11 schools currently participating: Mulgrave, Queensbury Elementary, Handsworth Secondary, University Transition Program, West Point Grey Academy, Lord Selkirk Elementary, Mountainside, Southridge, Highlands Elementary, Ridgeway Elementary, L’Ecole Cleveland.

Directions Youth Center/Family Services of Greater Vancouver, Hollyburn Community Services & Covenant House will receive the packs &/or contents, helping them to continue to do their important work. These partners are crucial to our mission, & their reach goes deep into the at-risk community.

Packs are distributed to unhoused youth &/or safe houses. Not only do their contents help youth survive on the street, the distribution of these packs  is often the entry-point for a case-worker to engage in meaningful dialogue with a youth about exiting the street.

 HYC Bursary Youth:

Five bursary youth are currently attending school: UBC, SFU, Sprott-Shaw & Langara, studying Nursing, Computer Science, Microbiology, Social Work & Early Childhood Education.  Against so many odds, these amazing youth continue to persevere & dream of a better life. They’re all smart, hardworking & very close to fulfilling their dreams.

Soon they will be working within their professions here in BC. We applaud them all!!

Corporate & Community Support:

Our success depends on the generosity of the community, & we’re deeply thankful we continue to have this support. 

Grosvenor Canada continues to support our mission, together with several individuals who donated through our Canada Helps site.

Likewise, Earlston Investments has been a long-time partner of Help Youth Canada in many ways. Your team rocks! Thank you!

Lastly, thank you to everyone in the community:  students, teachers, donors, case-workers, volunteers & the marginalized individuals we strive to help – thanks for believing in us.  

Please follow us on Instagram. @help_projectbackpack