Concert staff from the Toronto and Brampton offices prepared games, activities and a BBQ lunch on Friday, August 18, 2017, for the third annual Youth Engagement Day. This fun event encourages engagement and builds self-esteem for the residents of Youth Without Shelter, an Etobicoke-based organization providing emergency accommodations and a stay-in-school program for up to 50 homeless youths in need.
Patrice Charles, Office Services Assistant at Concert’s Toronto office, said “We really enjoyed spending time with these young people because they have such great energy. They’ve been through a lot and are still willing to try new things, like archery, and cheer each other on.”
Twenty-three volunteers from Concert prepared activities based on the Participaction 150 Play List, including archery, lacrosse, mini putt, jumbo bowling, table tennis, and an obstacle course. Youth Engagement Specialist Soyoung Lee from Youth Without Shelter said, “We had a wonderful turnout, and I’ve been hearing great feedback from participants of Youth Engagement Day. It’s rare that opportunities like this exist where youth and volunteers alike have the opportunity to spend the day ‘acting youthful’ together.”
Concert first got involved with Youth Without Shelter during the initial development of The Kip District, a master-planned community located on Dundas Street West, just West of Kipling. “When Concert develops a master-planned community like The Kip District, we seek out worthwhile causes and local programs to give back to the community,” said Brian McCauley, Concert President & CEO. “I’m proud to see the high level of engagement from Concert staff supporting this event year after year.” Since its inception in 1986, Youth Without Shelter has helped more than 15,000 homeless youth build confidence, improve life skills, and find long-term stable jobs and housing.