Members of Kelvin High School YiP Committee on way to Tuxedo Family Centre, L to R: Miguela Castro, Gabriela Castro, Maguire Cardinal, Kim Atwell and Ms. Heidi Howes.
On Mar. 16, 2017, our Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) committee at Kelvin High School split into groups and visited organizations across the city.
I learned so many things—both good and bad—after visiting every location.
Our first destination was Tuxedo Family Resource Centre, one of six neighbourhood family resource centres within subsidized housing developments throughout Winnipeg. Here, my eyes were opened to the reality of life for those living nearby who use the centre.
One sight I won’t forget is the small room that held their only two computers. It was hard for me to imagine that it had to be shared amongst multiple families, with members who all have different needs.
Despite these hardships, it was nice to encounter people who guide these families towards a better life.
The second organization we visited was The Laurel Centre that provides counseling and therapy for sexually abused women.
We were given a tour of their building and it was nice to see a space where these women are able to safely talk about their experiences and heal.
Kelvin High School YiP members at The Laurel Centre, L to R: Kim Atwell, Maguire Cardinal, Miguela Castro and Gabriela Castro.
During our visit, I didn’t just learn about the centre but also gained more information regarding sexual assault in our city.
Our last visit was at the Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre which provides free support and services for women.
During the tour of their facilities, I was happy to see the amount of help they provide just through seeing their centre filled with brochures of information that could help the women through tough times.
Right as we walked in, we saw boxes of free non-perishable food for women who need them.
Kelvin YiP Committee members on site visit to Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre. L to R: Ms. Shileen, Gabriela Castro, Kim Atwell, Maguire Cardinal and Miguela Castro.
Since this is my first year in YiP, I really didn’t know what to expect. Once the day was over, I concluded the experience was bittersweet. To be able to talk to those who help hundreds of people in the community made me feel hopeful but it was also sad to know there were more people who need help than I had imagined.
Even so, it feels rewarding to know that I can help them through Youth in Philanthropy.
Check out more Youth in Philanthropy stories on CNC at Young Winnipeggers Connect 2017.
