It is fitting that May 14th is being celebrated by many youth and their supporters across the province as Children and Youth in Care Day. It coincides with the date of the 13th Annual Reach for Success Awards hosted by the Quinte Children’s Foundation in partnership with Highland Shores Children’s Aid, Mohawk Family Services, the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and Alderville First Nation. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. and awards will begin at 6:30 p.m. on May 14th at the Empire Theatre.
The event, which honours the achievements of more than 125 young people, will be a celebration that will feature music and dance, as well as traditional First Nations performances. Sixty youth will be receiving $50 Youth Awards in categories such as Academic Achievement, Sports and Recreation, the Arts, Volunteerism, Personal Best and Culture & Heritage. A further seventy youth will be awarded over $76,000 in Reach for Success Bursaries in order to assist them with their post-secondary education.
"This is one of the programs Quinte Children's Foundation supports. The Reach for Success program encourages young people to continue their education. We are proud to be able to recognize the efforts of children and youth, especially on this special day of celebration. We thank our many donors and community partners whose generous contributions to the Foundation have made this evening possible", said Connie Reid, Executive Director of the Quinte Children’s Foundation.
Nicole Broderick, Children’s Services Supervisor for Highland Shores Children’s Aid and Chair of the event commented that, "This is a special evening. It’s a night when we can come together to recognize not only the importance that education plays in a young person’s life, but also celebrate the many achievements of children and youth, who despite the challenges they may have faced, display a resilient spirit. We are extremely proud of them all."
Over the years, Highland Shores Children’s Aid has continued its focus on educational support for youth in its care. The support and tools offered to youth have helped many of them succeed with their studies and go on to post-secondary education. This year over 70 youth in care or former youth in care are expected to attend post-secondary college or university programs.
"We can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate Children and Youth in Care Day than to spend the evening recognizing the accomplishments of these amazing young people", said Angus Francis, Manager, Children’s Services.
