DRAYTON – In recognition of the Drayton Youth Centre’s 20th anniversary organizers are inviting their biggest supporters – the local community – to a special free event on June 15.
The event will run from 11am to 3pm at the Drayton Youth Centre (DYC), 21 Wellington Street South.
The Drayton Youth Centre opened its doors in September, 1999 in response to the community need for a safe space for area youth to socialize with one another and with caring adults.
The community – including area churches, businesses and individuals – stepped forward and supported the Drayton Youth Centre right from the beginning.
“Whether through volunteer supports, supplies or funding, this community has tirelessly demonstrated its commitment to area youth,” centre officials note.
“Through games of pool, gym nights, outings for bowling or bubble soccer, positive relationships have been built.
“This means when family life or school challenges crop up, as they inevitably do, youth feel comfortable in sharing and seeking support from DYC volunteers. Some of these youth have gone on to becoming caring volunteers themselves, supporting the next generation of Drayton and area youth.”
In the intervening years, DYC officials state they have heard anecdotally from law enforcement about a drop in local vandalism.
“We haven’t had this kind of impact without the support of this community,” officials point out.
Community members are urged to attend the free family-friendly event on June 15, which will feature a reptile show, bouncy castle, live music, barbecued food, horse drawn wagon rides, face painters and balloon animal artists.
To volunteer at the centre one night per month, contact Brian Kamm at brian.kamm@gmail.com for more details.
