By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Youth organization seeks to raise $30,000

Feb 22, 2018 | 12:10 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The donations that come in to the Investing in Youth campaign help keep some important programs going. And now it’s also helping a local organization make some needed improvements to its building.

For the 22nd year, 5th on 5th Youth Services, formally known as the Lethbridge Youth Foundation, is turning to the public for contributions. The theme this year is “Building Bright Futures,” as the organization tries to raise $30,000. Executive director Trevor Brown said government funding covers 80 per cent of their needs.

“We need to be able to offset the costs for the programs, to keep all of the programs for free for youth,” Brown said at the campaign launch at Exhibition Park Thursday, Feb. 22. “That’s the biggest push for this campaign, to ensure that we’re offering all of our programs to the widest cross-section of youth in Lethbridge.

Four main programs are offered by 5th on 5th, targeting high school and post-secondary students, youth at risk, and individuals with a self-disclosed disability. Forward Life Impact and Direct to Work Experience help more than 100 people each year. Reach Up assists more than 50 people with disabilities, and Career Focus supports 12 post-secondary graduates with job placements.

Brown acknowledged support from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary, in the neighbourhood of $16,000. And Laurie Brown, a local contractor, has helped with a number of projects. Trevor Brown said they’re devoting some of the money raised to building upgrades.

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“We did a big LED upgrade, so all of the lighting in our building is now environmentally friendly, which is really exciting,” he explained. While he works to raise the funding for some expansion opportunities, new flooring and other renovations are in the works. Two tenants have moved out of the building, which is owned by 5th on 5th, and Brown said they’re looking for one to take their place.

Brown said an investment in youth is an investment in the future.

“Young people in our community need opportunities to get ahead, to get their foot in the door, and start to set up roots in our local community, and part of that is securing employment.”

Each year 5th on 5th shows its appreciation to donors with a private event called “A Taste of Lethbridge.” It will be hosted at Exhibition Park this year.