By Juanita Mercer
The Telegram
Christmas is supposed to be a joyful season, but for at-risk and homeless youth in the province, it can be another reminder of their hardships. One organization in St. John’s is working to change that with a holiday-inspired campaign.
Choices for Youth (CFY) is looking for monetary donations to its online Making Spirits Bright campaign.
“Making a donation to our Making Spirits Bright campaign not only helps Choices for Youth, but helps to provide housing, shelter and a network of support for the countless young people who need it,” said CFY executive director Sheldon Pollett.
The non-profit organization operates 10 programs for at-risk youth in St. John’s, offering everything from meals to emergency shelter. In the past year, CFY provided more than 16,500 meals and over 2,700 emergency shelter night stays, helping more than 1,200 youth.
The demand for these services continues to increase, so the organization is ramping up its efforts to seek community support.
“There are young people who walk through our doors every day who may have never been told that they are valued, that they are worthy or that they have incredible potential,” said Pollett.
He says CFY helps young people set goals for themselves, and helps them reach those goals, in spite of the many challenges they often face.
People can help at-risk and homeless youth this holiday season by donating to the Making Spirits Bright campaign online until Christmas day.
