The Editors
I had the great privilege of attending the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative finals at Heritage Woods secondary this morning.
Seven groups of Grade 10 students championing the missions of seven highly deserving charities, with the winning group’s charity receiving a cheque for $5,000 to advance their cause.
As the executive director of the Treehouse Vancouver Child and Youth Advocacy Centre and someone with more than 20 years experience in the not-for-profit sector, I found it incredibly heartening to see the up-and-coming community change makers that our school system is developing.
The quality of the presentations delivered by this group of caring and talented students rivals many of the presentations I have seen delivered within the sector. It was clear that these students put their hearts and souls into learning about the organization they selected and they were all highly proficient passionate, and creative in conveying the compelling missions to the audience.
I left the competition with my heart full — proud to be a Port Moody resident and hopeful knowing the future of philanthropy is alive and well with these kids in our community.
Thank you to Heritage Woods and YPI Canada for fostering the spirit of philanthropy within our community.
Leah Zille
Port Moody
