Sault College walk supports area LGBT youth

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT COLLEGE

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Child and Youth Worker students prepare for W.A.L.K.

SAULT STE. MARIE - Sault College’s third-year students of the Child and Youth Worker (CYW) Program will be hosting the 12th annual “We All Love Kids” W.A.L.K. on Saturday April 14. 

Proceeds from this year’s W.A.L.K. will support HARP’s (HIV/AIDS Resource Program) LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) youth support group. 

The community is invited to participate in this event with registration beginning at 10:00am in the front lobby at Sault College.

This year’s WALK will be an adventure around the world from Canada to Japan and many stops along the way.

There will be many family-friendly activities including flight simulation (ages 12 and up), passport making, martial arts, refreshments and more.

“Our class is very proud to be supporting the HIV AIDS Resource Program’s (HARP) creation of LGBT Youth Support Group that will offer needed services for youth in our community,” says Joanna DiLabio, third-year CYW student and publicity committee chair. “This year’s W.A.L.K is going to be the first themed W.A.L.K of diversity. We are hopeful for a good turn-out and a lot of donations to support this worthy cause.”

This student-run fundraising event is a class project that has the graduating class involved in every aspect of the event, including where proceeds are donated.

This year’s class has chosen to support the creation of HARP’s (HIV/AIDS Resource Program) LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) youth support group. 

This group will focus on providing a safe and supportive environment for youth to make connections with peers facing similar issues, develop a strong sense of support within the community, provide education on issues relevant to their needs, and partake in holistic activities that will contribute to their self-esteem and well-being.

“As CYW’s we are committed to supporting those in our community who are in some way marginalized or have limited access to community services,” says professor Donna Mansfield, Sault College CYW program. “To this end, this community development project requires the students to utilize the skills they have acquired over the past 3 years to develop and implement a meaningful and important event for our community. The students learn the importance of advocating and bringing awareness to issues such as those facing LGBT youth while building important community partnerships. I am confident that they will not only raise awareness for this year’s recipient, H.A.R.P. but will also run a successful fundraising campaign to support this important program.”

The efforts of the CYW W.A.L.K. throughout the years have raised over $50,000 for children and families in Sault Ste. Marie. 

Free parking is available in the A-North Parking Lot located across the street from the College’s main entrance. 

For more information, please contact Donna Mansfield at 705.759.2554 ext.2549.

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