Ten years of YouthOne programming in Lethbridge is being celebrated during the upcoming gala.
Aimee Wickersham is in charge of Fundraising and Events for the organization and says while this year’s goal is a lofty one, as they hope to raise $150,000, all the funds will be used to fund afterschool programs for 100 youth between the ages of 11 and 18 years old.
She explains the programs are designed to create a community of belonging, where students can find “support and guidance during their most formative years with no financial barrier.”
“Research also tells us when a youth has even one positive role model or mentor in their life, it dramatically reduces many risk factors such as drug and alcohol abuse, mental health issues, crime rates and school dropout rates,” she says. “So for this reason, we are determined to make sure no youth has to figure out life alone. We firmly believe when youth are supported to live out their full potential, the future health of our community increases.”
She adds, since YouthOne launched a decade ago, thousands of kids from middle school to high school have taken part in the after-school drop-in program, support groups, leadership training, food services and life skill development services and the need continues to increase. She says in 2023-2024, the organization saw 684 youth registered in their program.
“Last year and this year, we’re seeing more than 500 youth in attendance each week. Last year, we served up to 15,000 meals through our lunch and meal programs and we delivered 45,000 mentorship hours between caring adults and the youth.”
“[With mentorship hours] youth will come in and they’ll have somebody to talk to, someone to process things with. Sometimes they will come in and work on a resume, they can get help registering for soccer this year, or just stuff in the community. It’s really just that connection point with a caring adult, who wants to help them.”
During this year’s sold-out gala, the pledge balloons will be back with the addition of a champagne balloon this year worth $750 representing half a year’s worth of support for a youth.
“There will also be white and blue balloons… the white balloon represents one month of support, so that’s $125 and the blue one represents one year worth $1,500. ”
The event is happening Saturday at the Sandman Signature Grand Ballroom and will include a photo booth, red carpet and keynote speech from CEO and co-founder Jordan Schellenberg, along with a performance from the Midnight Channel jazz band.
