The Rotary Club of Alliston is pleased to announce the launch of its latest fundraising event, the Run4Youth, South Simcoe.
This is a community participation event whose goal is to raise funding for youth mental health, which has suffered greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns. Net proceeds from the event will go to support the important work of two organizations serving at-risk youth in South Simcoe –New Path Youth and Family Services and Youth Haven.
“The pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of young people, explains Louise Jones, Director of Fund Development at Youth Haven. “Through our helplines, we are witnessing increased stress, anxiety and depression in young people as a result of the current crisis. Social isolation, the disruption of routine, health fears, and families under duress are all factors that are leading to increased mental health challenges, especially during an already vulnerable time of their life.”
George Scott, President of the Rotary Club of Allison, outlines the virtual program: “Run4Youth, South Simcoe invites people of all ages to run, walk, hike or bike any distance they choose on any day or days between the 1st of July and the 30th of September. They can raise pledges from friends and business associates to support their efforts or make their own donations. Anyone raising $200 or more will earn a swag bag of goodies and all participants receive an event T-shirt and reflective wristband” He continued: “We invite every resident of South Simcoe to join in. To register, buy your ticket for as little as $15, or $30 for a family, with group discounts also available, at www.EventBrite.ca. And go to www.Strava.com to search under Clubs for Run4Youth South Simcoe to download the app you can use to track your progress.”
The title sponsor for the event is Flato Developments Inc., a community-focused home builder with current projects in Tottenham and Dundalk. Also sponsoring are Ryan Design, Trillium Ford Lincoln of Alliston and Shelburne, CPK Accounting of Alliston, Dave Green and Sue Leach of Alliston, TD Wealth and Youth Beyond Enterprises, a not-for-profit in Angus, ON serving young entrepreneurs. Assisting the Rotary club with co-promotion of the event are these Partners: Tottenham and Beeton District Chamber of Commerce; the Town of New Tecumseth; Community Living Association of South Simcoe; Barrie Navy League; and FM92.1.
“We are so honoured and thankful for the support of The Rotary Club of Alliston. This event will raise much needed funds for child and youth mental health in south Simcoe County,” says Elizabeth McKeeman, CEO of New Path Youth & Family Services. “Support from local organizations fills the gaps in funding for life-changing mental health services. This support couldn’t come at a better time. Right now, the need for child and youth mental health services is so great. Gifts like this further ensure that children, youth and their families can continue to access timely and responsive mental health services when and where they need them.”
This event has a special connection for Rotary member Patricia Middlebrook. “As a grandmother facing the challenges of a grandchild with mental health issues, I am so grateful for the support shown by the many sponsors and community partners for the Run4Youth, South Simcoe event. I know how important it is for a young person dealing with anxiety, depression or uncontrollable behavioural issues to have access to treatment. New Path and Youth Haven provide a lifeline for youth facing their personal mental issues, as well as support for their families.” She continued: “I want to send a personal Thank You to all those who sign up for this event. You are helping make a young person’s future a little brighter.”
For further information: Annabelle Song Event Chair Rotary Club of Alliston 905-479-9292 x223 or go to www.runforyouth.ca
About New Path Youth & Family Services
New Path Youth & Family Services of Simcoe County is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization. We are an accredited children’s mental health agency providing a range of innovative and timely services for children, youth and their families. We are the Lead Agency for children’s mental health in Simcoe with the goal of enhancing the experience and outcomes of children, youth and their families seeking assistance with mental health and wellness.
New Path is currently offering call-in, in-person and virtual mental health services for children, youth and their families in Simcoe County. A range of free mental health services are offered by professional counsellors. Families can access a range of free counselling and therapy services by calling or emailing New Path at 705-725-7656. To learn more about New Path Youth and Family Services, to donate, or get involved please visit www.newpath.ca, follow us on social media Facebook: New Path Youth & Family Services Twitter: @NewPathYFS or sign up for our quarterly TrailSigns Newsletter
About Youth Haven
Since 1987, Youth Haven has provided youth experiencing homelessness and at-risk youth between the ages of 16-24 with the love, support, guidance, programs and life skills needed to foster their sense of well-being and security. As Simcoe County’s only emergency shelter for youth experiencing homelessness, Youth Haven also provides outreach services and programs to at-risk youth in Barrie, Orillia, Midland, southern Georgian Bay and south Simcoe. Youth Haven not only provides youth with shelter, but also case management, crisis intervention, counselling and outreach services throughout the County of Simcoe, transitional housing, a Rentsmart program that gives youth the essential skills to find and keep permanent housing. With a team of dedicated doctors volunteering their time, Youth Haven also provides its residents with much needed health care. www.youthhaven.ca
About Rotary
The Rotary Club of Alliston is an organization of committed volunteers who provide time and fundraising to address needs in the community. Through the 35,000 clubs of Rotary International in 130 countries around the world, Alliston Rotarians are making a difference by eradicating polio, providing clean drinking water and supporting other critical causes. www.rotary-alliston.org