On May 3rd, Threshold received a donation of $625 from Victoria High School students under the auspices of the Victoria Foundation’s Vital Youth program. The Vital Youth program provides students with hands-on experience in philanthropy and community development. Formally launched in three schools in November 2003, the program—previously named Youth in Philanthropy—has grown to include seven high schools in three school districts. For more information on this program see Vital Youth.
The event was held at the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Oak Bay. Students from the college performed a wonderful piece from their new stage production of “Footloose.” This was a marvelous performance and reflected so precisely the energy and vitality of young people channelled toward making the community a better place for each of us to live.
From left to right: Mark Muldoon (Threshold), Abi Hodson (Youth Advisory Council), Mohammed Rasheed, Kamille Tobin-Shields, Brianna Sheppard-Murphy, and Maggie Wright.
Threshold is especially touched by this award because as the students themselves mentioned, students from Victoria High Schools have had need of Threshold’s services in the past. Even more, in a cynical society where young people are often labelled self-centered and indifferent, it was wonderful to see youth reaching out to youth in a selfless way. What a great sign for the future! In a recent episode of the TV series Glee, Finn organises his classmates to help Puck who is having trouble finishing his final exams. Why was Finn doing this? He believes “no one should be left behind!” Students at Victoria High certainly know this message and again, we are grateful for their help and enthusiasm. What-a-go Vic High!