Teens raise funds to help 'Leave the Streets Behind'

Who would figure a group of teens playing various board and outdoor games could help others.

Recently area teens did just that by raising funds contributing to the 'Leave the Streets Behind' program.

St. Joseph Island teen, Kyle Gauthier, along with members of the Teen Night team of coordinators Letitia Bishop and Mary-Ann Boyle, presented a cheque for $500 to Comrade Hugh Hamilton of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 374.

The Second Annual Game-A-Thon was held May 28, whereby teens collected pledges from the community to raise the funds.

In 2012, the Legion established a national homeless veterans program called 'Leave the Streets Behind', based on the groundbreaking work of Ontario Command.

The program’s mission is to reach out to homeless Veterans, or near homeless Veterans, by providing immediate financial assistance and support when and where needed.

It also connects them with the appropriate social and community services to establish a long term solution to meet their needs.

To date, the Leave the Streets Behind program is operated in Ontario, British Columbia/Yukon, Alberta/North West Territories, Nova Scotia/Nunavut Commands,

Teen game night began in November 2015 and sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 374 Ladies Axillary and supported by the Richards Landing Branch.

The purpose was to offer, at no cost, an activity for the youth  to come out and play traditional board games. No electronics permitted.

As many as 40 youth have joined, meeting Saturday evenings at the Legion lounge. Attendance varies from four to 15 per night.