Supplied by YWCA Muskoka
The Muskoka Kids’ Tri is a longstanding tradition and family-friendly event many Muskokans have participated in each summer in Port Sydney. For the past two years, participants have been able to donate to a local charity when they register to race—this year they extended their generosity and raised $415.16 for YWCA Muskoka’s youth programs.
This donation will keep the YWCA’s youth council running for a few months with healthy snacks, materials and supplies for skill-building workshops and the cost of renting community spaces for the group’s activities.
Open to all youth aged 14-29 who are passionate about being community leaders and change-makers, the youth council meets once a month and gives members a space to create dialogue and lead discussions on subjects that matter to them.
The youth council program offers opportunities for professional and personal development, including workshops on self-care, storytelling, financial literacy and event management. The youth council recently put the skills they have learned to the test by hosting their first major event, Unprompted, a spoken word night. With support from the project coordinator, the group learned how to book venues, create a budget, recruit participants, and promote the event.
In addition to hosting action days, the youth council goes on excursions within the region to explore local art and history, celebrating trailblazers within the community. A recent trip took them inside the new paramedics station in Bracebridge where they met with female staff and learned about career opportunities.
“I have enjoyed talking to like-minded people and being able to have a safe space within the community,” says Amanda, a youth council member. “I’ve learned more about community events and the effort it takes to participate and plan one.”
Project Coordinator, Krishma Goraya, adds, “Council members took the lead on hosting, catering, and setting up the entire event. The room was packed and they received great feedback from the audience. They were passionate and energetic and by the end of the night, they were already brainstorming for future events!”
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