Media Release: Stratford Youth Have the Holiday Spirit
Posted on 12/21/2018

For Immediate Release: December 21, 2018

Stratford Youth Have the Holiday Spirit

This month the Stratford Youth Council again gave back to their community by completing two successful projects. In early December the members put together 30 care packages for the homeless and low income individuals on PEI. These packages included items such as gloves, hats, toiletries, treats and other handy items along with a $20 gift coffee gift card. The 12 members of the Stratford Youth Council came up with the idea, applied for and secured the funding, after which they shopped, put together the packages and wrapped them all on their own. Project leader Jaden Bulger applied for and received a Rising Youth Grant of $1500 which was put towards the project.

"I am very proud of this great group of young people for all their hard work and dedication toward their community," Youth and Family Coordinator Duane Pineau commented. "These members of the Stratford Youth Council continue to impress me with their commitment to our Island community".

The care packages have been provided to the Housing First Program, which is an initiative of the Canadian Mental Health Association, who will distribute them throughout the holiday season to those in need.

A second project undertaken by the Stratford Youth Council this month saw members fundraise and secure funding allowing them to purchase over $1600 worth of gifts for children in need at Glen Stewart School. Two members of the council shopped for and delivered the gifts to the school in time for Christmas to be made a bit easier for a couple of deserving families from our community.

"These young people are clearly the future leaders of our community," said Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden. "Their leadership on these, and other initiatives, is truly heartwarming and we thank them for putting others first at this time of year".

The Stratford Youth Centre provides youth in grades 5-12 a safe, supportive environment to participate in social and recreational activities and is designed to promote leadership and engage the participating youth to be involved in community activities. The Stratford Youth Council is made up of older members in grades 8-12 who help organize and assist with additional projects as well as the activities of the centre. The Stratford Youth Centre currently has 48 members. New members in grades 5-12 continue to be welcomed to the Stratford Youth Centre, as well as adult volunteers. There is no cost to be a youth member however youth are asked to volunteer to help with youth centre activities and projects throughout the year. For more information on the youth centre please contact (902) 367-3294 or [email protected].

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For more information please contact:

Wendy Watts, Community Engagement Coordinator
Town of Stratford
T: (902) 569-1995
E: [email protected]

Printable version: Media Release -Stratford Youth Have the Holiday Spirit (December 21, 2018)