The Rotary Club of North Muskoka and the Rotary Club of Huntsville have provided vital funding to help Huntsville youth develop confidence, understand healthy relationships, foster critical thinking skills, and build positive peer support.
Local charity, YWCA Muskoka, runs the popular Girlz Unplugged and Quest for boys programs in Muskoka public schools during recess and lunch hours.
“These programs have been running for over two decades across the District and the curriculums were created right here in Muskoka to meet the unique needs of rural youth,” said Amy Jones, Director of Youth Services for YWCA Muskoka. “These programs help youth in grades 5-10 explore healthy relationships, self-care, body image, gender stereotypes, navigating being online safely – all through crafts, play, discussions, laughter and fun.”
Jones explains that these important discussion topics also work toward YWCA’s broader goal to prevent gender-based violence in the community. “Reaching youth early, during their most formative years, and helping them explore what a healthy relationship looks like – and doesn’t look like – is beneficial for them now as they navigate peer relationships, but are also skills they carry with them into the future as they become adults.”
The Rotary Club of North Muskoka donated $3,600, which will run a Huntsville-based Girlz Unplugged program in 2025. “Supporting the YWCA Girlz Unplugged program aligns perfectly with our mission to make a meaningful impact for youth in Huntsville,” said Andrew Zanier, President of the Rotary Club of North Muskoka. “We are proud to contribute to a program that inspires young women to reach their full potential, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to find their own voice.”
The Rotary Club of Huntsville donated $2,000 which will also help fund a YWCA Huntsville-based youth program in 2025. “The Rotary Club of Huntsville has happily supported the YWCA’s Girlz Unplugged program for a number of years. Their leadership in the empowerment of young teens to help them develop confidence and self esteem is a very important investment in the overall health of our community,” said Robert Saunders, member of the Rotary Club of Huntsville.
YWCA Muskoka is run entirely on fundraised dollars and individual project grants. The organization currently relies entirely on donations to fund their local youth programs. Members of the community can help by making a donation to YWCA Muskoka’s year end campaign by visiting their website at: www.ywcamuskoka.com/donate
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