Fundraiser for Rayside Balfour Youth Centre
On Sunday in Chelmsford there was a family-friendly fundraiser to support a local space for young people.
The Rayside Balfour Youth Centre receives funding from the city to operate but also needs to raise money to support its programs and activities to provide an inclusive, fun safe space.
There was music to brighten the atmosphere, face painting and many fun activities for families, all in support of the Rayside Balfour Youth Centre which has been in operation for over 20 years.
"We have something for everyone like science and math and literacy. We have reading groups and we also have diversity groups Monday night. So the LGBTQ community. We have a trans group. We have non-binary individuals. So it's somewhere they can come, they can meet people who are going to support them," Kristen Brutto, the program co-ordination at the Rayside Balfour Youth Centre, told CTV News.
Youth who attend the centre said there are many benefits.
"It's a safe place so I don't have to worry about other people judging. So it's a safe place and it's fun because a lot of times they have an activity for the day," Matthieu Desrosiers, a 14-year-old who attends the youth centre, said.
Staff said the goal is to have a safe and place for youth to socialize, learn and have fun.
"It's amazing. It's a great little initiative, great little hub where kids can just hang out. We have resources if they need anything. We have daily programs and workshops that they can come to yah it keeps them off the streets and something to do," Chelsea Chamberland, a youth supervisor at the Rayside Balfour Youth Centre, said.
The centre is open to youth ages 10-17.
Officials said it is all about providing a place of connection and being an inclusive space.
For more information on the centre and its activities visit their Facebook page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
COMING UP @ 3:30 P.M. City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.