Young Life Sunshine Coast is a Christian outreach with the mission to meet teenagers where they’re at and encourage them to know Jesus Christ. The outreach has seen growth over the past year on the Coast, with some steady monthly donors keeping weekly programming and outreach activities afloat. Now the group needs an influx of funds to continue with plans for 2014.
Currently program director Will Dow works three days a week to deliver the program locally, but an extra $12,000 needs to be found before the end of June to keep Dow employed.
“Right now if we don’t raise $12,000 by the end of June, my salary will decrease and I’m assuming by a bit, which would keep us afloat budget-wise for program costs and office administration and that kind of stuff. But personally, we’re looking to start a family eventually, and we need an income,” Dow said, noting he lives on Keats Island with his wife and commutes to put on Young Life events for teens in Gibsons.
Events like capture the flag, bonfires, paint wars and movie nights draw upwards of 60 teens regularly. While teens enjoy the fun events, they also spend time talking and learning about Jesus when they get together.
“Club is different than a hang out,” Dow explained.
“It’s more of an event-based opportunity for kids to come out, and then at the end there’s always a Biblical discussion.”
In addition to keeping the Gibsons-based club operating, Young Life Sunshine Coast wants to expand the weekly events to Sechelt and Pender Harbour.
“The goal of this budget is to meet the entire Sunshine Coast budget,” Dow said.
“It may increase by a little bit depending on how those clubs are operating and depending on whether we hire another staff member, but we’re trying to raise the entire Sunshine Coast budget so that when it’s time to move, we already have the finances in place and we’re ready to go.”
Young Life Sunshine Coast is also looking for more leaders to help supervise teens during events in the future.
If you’d like to financially support the outreach or if you can volunteer, contact Dow at [email protected] or call 604-763-5692.
Learn more about Young Life at www.younglife.ca and keep up to date with local activities at www.facebook.com/YoungLifeSunshineCoast.
