The municipality will provide YFC/Youth Unlimited of Minto with $2,000 to help the organization provide a youth centre and programming.
Ken Mohle of YFC/Youth Unlimited attended the April 19 Minto council meeting to “appeal to council to help us out a little bit financially in the ministry and in the programs that we put on.”
Mohle explained in a written submission, “Our goal is to continue to provide a place (the Upper Deck Youth Centre) for kids/teens to spend time in the evenings and weekends. Our hope is to expand our presence in Minto through added drop-in nights at the Deck and to provide or assist in leadership of Sports, programs and special interest programs in the communities of Minto.”
Mohle explained creating a drop-in centre in Palmerston is among the organization’s long-term goals. Another goal is to eventually provide or assist in leadership of programs in Clifford.
The organization is currently focusing on revitalizing the youth programs offered out of the youth centre in Harriston.
“This effort will require expanding our volunteer base which we are doing at present. This will allow us to be open more often,” he explained.
“There’s costs of course, associated with the building; costs of programs, the utilities … there’s some work to be done in the building … just some fire prevention issues that we have to take care of. These are costly things too so I’m essentially asking if council can help a little bit with that.”
Mohle said the organization requested council provide $1,000 toward the general budget and an additional $1,000 toward upgrades required to bring the building up to fire and safety standards.
Treasurer Gordon Duff noted in the past the municipality has provided a cash donation ($1,000), plus use of the community centre for a fundraising event.
“I gather from reading your letter, you’ve got concerns, you’d rather have the cash,” said Duff.
Council approved the requested $2,000 contribution.
