Youth from Matheson House got down and dirty, pitching in and helping out at the annual Relay for Life fundraiser in Prince Albert.
The youth prepared for the day’s hard working, hitting their pillows early the night before in preparations to rise with the sun.
At 6:30 a.m. on June 7, the youth rose and rushed to Max Clunie Field where they assisted with event wrap-up efforts; cleaning up, putting away tables, moving sand bags, dismantling tents and offering helping hands where they were needed.
“Event coordinators were very impressed and even took the youth out to McDonalds after the event,” said Ryan DeRaps, unit manager for Matheson House. “(The youth) enjoyed helping an event to support cancer research.”
The opportunity to volunteer amongst fellow peers and community members helps foster a fun atmosphere in which the youth can learn about community, teamwork and relationships, DeRaps continued.
“At Matheson House one of our main goals is re-integrating our youth back into the community,” said DeRaps. “It is important that our community see our youth in a positive light, and help shed the stigma as Ranch Ehrlo youth being ‘bad kids’. Our youth have been really embraced by our community.”
The community spirit at Matheson House gained momentum as the youth fulfilled a request to facilitate a community barbecue held at the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library in Prince Albert. The youth organized the burgers and buns, giving hungry book lovers something to eat during the book sale and Prince Albert Street Fair. The youth weathered the storm skies, cooking burgers, serving drinks and making a small profit at the end of the day.
Before wrapping up the month of June, the youth of Matheson House rolled up their sleeves once again, working together to host a fundraiser garage sale and barbecue. The kids organize the garage sale and community barbecue on the property; pushing sales, moving boxes, grilling burgers and loading vehicles. The day of burgers and bargains paid off for the youth who raised an incredible $916.
Well done Matheson House!
