Dear Friends, Valued Colleagues and Family, 

In the fall of 2018, I joined the Board of Youth Assisting Youth, aka “The Peer Project.” After many years of supporting Boards in the public sector in a professional capacity, I decided it was time give something of what I have learned back. The Peer Project has an innovative program that matches “at risk children” with mentors. The mentors themselves are carefully screened, selected and trained. They are 19-29 years old. I have never met a more dynamic group of competent and caring young leaders.  I chose to volunteer at the Peer Project after careful consideration because of the impact such leadership is having in the lives of kids whose future is very uncertain. 

Pre and post intervention evaluation data of the kids in Peer Project makes it clear that, among other things, they are more likely to stay in school. They are building skills confidence and resiliency. They are less isolated.  Toronto is a rich, wonderful, messy and challenging city.  It should be good be a place to grow up in for any child. The Peer Project is creating that opportunity for kids that no one else wants to help.

Next Sunday I am participating in a Spin-A-Thon (yes that’s a thing) to help raise funds for the Peer Project. Please consider sponsoring me. There are 400 kids on the waiting list for the Peer Project. Help us give them a chance to succeed.