THE SKY IS NOT FALLING! I REPEAT - THE SKY IS NOT FALLING!
THERE IS STILL (AND ALWAYS) HOPE!
And for the youth of Strathroy, a lot of that hope resides in the 37 Frank Youth Centre.
I am once again participating in Coldest Night of the Year and raising funds for 37 Frank as part of the Buesink Brander AE Rads Team!
I've heard that some accuse the 37 Frank Youth Centre of enabling the youth.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
I had the opportunity to visit the Youth Centre recently and it was obvious to me the love and support provided to the youth who come there - especially those who are written off as "bad eggs". They meet these teens where they are, showing them that love is unconditional, but also set boundaries and guide their feet to a better path.
Here is one impact story that I want to share with you. A youth started down a dark road - they had dropped out of school, were drinking and doing drugs, and getting in trouble with the law. When they visited 37 Frank, the staff and volunteers would sit with this youth and, even though they weren't sure they were getting through to them, would talk with this youth and would listen. I'm happy to say that this youth turned their life around, got a job, earned enough to purchase a car, and has returned to school to get their Grade 12 diploma. Instead of rebelling against the adults in their life, this youth is working with them and giving themselves the opportunity for a better future.
A lot of you will probably know of Cory Adams (RIP). For those who do not live in Strathroy-Caradoc, Cory Adams was a distinctive figure in the downtown area, known for his tattooed face, his shouts to people that no one else could see, and his propensity for trouble. Cory tragically lost his life in October 2023 as he was cycling to a local motel outside of town, which had become a band-aid solution for helping the town's homeless.
I'm confident to say that, if the 37 Frank Youth Centre was around when Cory was a youth, his story would have been different and he wouldn't have died at the age of 37.
By supporting the 37 Frank Youth Centre through Coldest Night of the Year, you are enabling the wonderful people there to support youth and help them break out of the cycles of poverty, addiction, and/or abuse they find themselves in. My goal is to raise $5,000 - so, I'm asking you, please, to give generously by clicking on the Donate Now button available.