Project North
The YMCA offers an innovative leadership experience for students in Grades 9 to 12 from Sarnia and surrounding First Nations communities. This project follows the successful YMCA Project Kenya which occurred in Sarnia-Lambton (2012-2013), Project Guatemala in Chatham-Kent (2014-2015), and Project North (2017, 2018 , 2019, 2023, 2024).
Our 2024 team is working towards getting to Alberta for August of this year. Our program has not had a chance to travel since 2019, and it is a very exciting milestone since the COVID-19 restrictions. Our youth have committed to various projects this year such as: A Blind Date with a Book fundraiser (April-July), the Celebration of Youth Awards Ceremony (May), volunteering with YMCA camp and children's programming (Jan-July), the Mitton Village Block Party (August), and Truthsgiving (Oct).
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Project Impact
This project has many potential impacts, bringing together a group of young people who have committed to an incredible leadership development initiative. These participants will need to be extremely motivated to learn and grow and make a difference in their community. This project will create an opportunity for the YMCA to work in partnership with the community, including Sarnia’s surrounding First Nations communities. The project will also help to increase the YMCA’s profile as an organization committed to youth and leadership development.
The project creates a tremendous opportunity for participants to learn more about fundraising and embrace philanthropy. The young people developing their leadership potential will have a cumulative impact on their families, schools, friends and the greater community.