B.C. Boys and Girls Club fundraises for youth

The Boys and Girls Club of South Coast BC (BGCBC) is fundraising to help youths stay connected during pandemic restrictions.

Clubs across the Lower Mainland, including one in Richmond, is making it their goal to raise $250,000 through their Be Bold Boys and Girls Club Accelerator for Youth Initiative.

Donations from the fundraiser will be used to increase outreach efforts to youths as well as offer more virtual programs and one-one-one mentoring sessions.

Carolyn Tuckwell, president of BGCBC, said social interaction is important in child development and it’s worrisome for many youths during this period of time.

“We’re worried that social isolation will have an impact on youths in terms of mental health and ... their academic development,” said Tuckwell.

“Research shows, youth are more impacted by dramatic events and I think the nature of the pandemic doesn’t necessarily cause us to think about trauma. Rather, it is the unsettling nature and the looming threat to people’s health is in a way a form of trauma.”

Tuckwell told the Richmond News that their main priority is to make sure youths are able to reach out and get help from peers and adults when they need it.

While the Richmond BGC doesn’t serve a lot of youths, there are many services and organizations in the city that the club can connect families and youths to while having their needs met.

To donate to the initiative, visit bit.ly/30PGL1K