Mike Janz – Giving Back

Anne Frank famously said, “How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” While I have never heard anyone quote this directly within the walls of 50 Queen Street, every day here is infused with this idea. Don’t know how to draw? Just sharpen your pencil. Don’t know how to play the guitar? Take this one and strum. Every day here says, “Beauty has worth. Your story has worth. Let’s start together. Here.”

Central to the program philosophy of the MacPhee Centre is the principle that programming remains free-of-charge to our youth and families so that those who need to access our community can do so barrier-free. We are committed to this approach for the long haul, because we are committed to these young people for the long haul.

This year over 800 youth will have been given the opportunity – through free programming – to find their own unique path to success within the creative and supportive environment of the MacPhee Centre. Through hands on, youth driven programs, facilitated by industry professionals, young people are being given access to new and useful skills that lead to enhanced self-confidence, self-worth, and self-care. But free programming doesn’t come for free.

This year we have hired our third fulltime employee, planted a garden that is feeding our program participants, and we are increasing program, outreach, and leadership opportunities for our youth. All of these things come at a cost, a worthwhile cost!

Every day here at the MacPhee Centre is another chance to make some small steps toward improving the world. We don’t know where each of these steps will take these young people, but we plan on seeing them through to high school graduations, first jobs, university acceptance letters, business grand openings, first art showings, and shaping our communities.

These youth have immeasurable potential, but they still need the help of those who have gone before them. The MacPhee Centre needs your financial help to ensure that we can keep giving the gift of our programming to youth who need it.

Would you join us in our work by making a year-end financial gift? You can do so online through Canada Helps or by cheque, and your gift will be tax-receiptable.

Thanks you for your support.