Youth Assisting Youth asks Toronto: Think You're Tough?
TORONTO, April 13 /CNW/ - Youth Assisting Youth has re-launched its successful "Think You're Tough" subway ad campaign to recruit volunteer mentors for at-risk and newcomer children. This campaign responds to the GTA's urgent need for role models to provide guidance and support to Toronto youth.
"In light of the outcomes of the Jane Creba and Jordan Manners court cases, one thing is clear: Toronto youth need stronger mentors and role models to help them make smart decisions," said YAY president and CEO Sally Spencer. "Where other organizations strive to get guns out of the hands of youth, it is our hope that through mentorship, these kids will never pick up a gun in the first place. This will save lives. Prevention is critical."
The subway ad campaign highlights YAY's need for further support from the community, in order to deliver critical programming to at-risk and newcomer youth. Many of these young people come from single-parent homes, reside in Toronto's priority neighbourhoods, live with the challenges of poverty or have escaped from abusive relationships.
"The organization recognizes the challenges of decreased funding coupled with increased demand for mentors," said Ron Kelusky, chairman of YAY's board of directors. "We are confident that this campaign will help us secure the volunteers and additional funding that the program and community require to thrive."
Youth Assisting Youth
Youth Assisting Youth is a peer mentoring organization that matches volunteer mentors aged 16 to 29 with newcomer and at-risk children aged six to 15. Since 1976, YAY's unique service has helped over 20,000 children and youth. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, visit www.yay.org.
For further information: MEDIA CONTACT: Grant Peckford, Managing Director, (416) 932-1919, [email protected]
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