Downbeat – The @TripsForKidsVan fundraiser
I have 8 nieces and nephews with ages ranging from 19 to 3 years old, and I’m a doting uncle. So, while I have all my nephews and nieces far away, I’m happy that my blog gives me a chance to help youth and children even if they’re not directly related to me. I have always been a big fan of non-profit organizations who work in building skills for children and youth.
Recently, Miriam Shanahan from Trips For Kids Vancouver contacted me and asked me if I would be willing to write about their organization.
She explained to me that “TFK is interested in helping the next generation understand the importance of leading healthy lifestyles, for themselves, the community and the environment at large. TFKs unique programs, facilitate youth in achieving these objectives; Trips for Kids’ Leadership Program offers youth aged 14+ to attend skills development and team-building workshops and engage in one-on-one coaching with adult mentors.
Program graduates are then given the opportunity to put newly developed leadership skills into practice by co-facilitating rides and mentoring younger riders. These Leadership programs happen in the midst of interactive mountain biking excursions; there is both a daylong and overnight adventures, which incorporate and advocate the teaching of off-road cycling skills, trail etiquette, and environmental education/stewardship, in a fun and active atmosphere.”
Miriam is a volunteer for the organization herself, and she indicated that “[A]s young, active volunteers ourselves, we strongly believe in what we advocate in our excursions; promoting healthy lifestyles, leadership skills and an innate responsibility for every person on both an environmental, as well as at the community level. We feel it is our responsibility to motivate and empower the next generation through our programs. We hope that youth who are engaged, active and building friendships, will help knit a stronger community fabric and deepen cultural understanding.”
Miriam also informed me about a fundraiser they’re organizing, DOWNBEAT, to take place on Thursday May 13th at District 319 (location: 319 Main Street), in which all proceeds from the event support the facilitation of their 2010 spring and summer programs. There are some amazing professional photographers and filmmakers who will be helping with their interactive social event. Miriam told me that one of them Jordan Manley, has shot for everyone from Snowboard Canada to Oakley, Arcteryx, and Whistler Blackcomb.
I don’t think I can make the fundraiser, but hopefully you will be able to, and check out Trips for Kids, maybe you can make a donation for a bike or in kind support. This sounds like a really cool initiative.
Related posts:
- Bedouin Soundclash at Venue – Benefit Concert for Broadway Youth Resource Centre
- Brunch With Benefits (Fundraiser for @YouthCo)
- Le Jazz Hot (Fundraiser for YouthCo AIDS Society) July 25th, 2011
- FUN Camps for Kids
- Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports Society (VASSS) Annual Fundraiser
Sounds like an excellent organization!
Raul, you are amazing! Thank you for this post =) TFK is grateful for your support!
And thank you as well Thad; we are working hard to help our youth enjoy the great outdoors while gaining positive insight about themselves and their important influence in the world! We appreciate your encouraging comment =)