The Rotary clubs of Bracebridge and Gravenhurst have donated $3800 to support YWCA programs benefiting youth in South Muskoka during recess and lunch hours.
The Rotary Club of Gravenhurst donated $2,000 to support a local Quest program for boys, while the Rotary Club of Bracebridge contributed $1,800 to the local Girlz Unplugged program.
Bonnie Dart from the Gravenhurst Rotary Community Services Committee says with the support, they wish to create “lasting change” in the community.
“We believe it is important for young people to have an opportunity to increase self-understanding, develop healthy relationships, and build strong connections to the community in which they live. We are grateful to support these goals of the YWCA youth programming, which align with our own,” says Dart.
Amy Jones, Director of Youth Services for YWCA Muskoka, says the programs use crafts, play, and discussions to help youth in grades five to ten explore healthy relationships, self-care, body image, gender stereotypes, and online safety.
“Reaching youth early, during their most formative years, and helping them explore what a healthy relationship looks like – and doesn’t look like – is beneficial for them now as they navigate peer relationships, but are also skills they carry with them into the future as they become adults,” says Jones.
She adds it also helps YWCA’s broader goal of preventing gender-based violence in the community.
