Donations to the Penticton Youth Centre鈥檚 鈥淕ive our Youth a Lift鈥� campaign will go twice as far starting on Giving Tuesday.

Between Tuesday, Nov. 28 and Dec. 15, donors can double their impact thanks to a matching pledge from dedicated community supporter, Carl Peterson.

Peterson has pledged to match donations to the campaign up to a total of $6,000.

The 鈥淕ive our Youth a Lift鈥� campaign will raise funds for an elevator in the Penticton Youth Centre鈥檚 three-floor building at 501 Main Street. An elevator will improve accessibility to the services and programs provided by the four youth service organizations running out of the Centre: Foundry Penticton, YMCA, ARC Programs and the Ministry of Children and Family Development 鈥� Child & Youth Mental Health

鈥淭here is an emotional impact on young people when there are accessibility roadblocks. We have had clients who are in wheelchairs, whom we continue to offer services to, but outside of our space. It does not send the message that this building is for all if it is not accessible to all. We are in the work of removing barriers, not creating them,鈥� said Shelley Hunt, manager of community programs at the YMCA.

Through their diverse range of services which include primary care, mental health support, peer groups, employment programs, and foster parent support, the organizations at the Youth Centre offer a 鈥渙ne-stop shop鈥� for youth that provides wrap-around support. Together, they serve approximately 1,000 youth annually.

The Youth Centre was created in response to concerning mental health data outlined in the Community Foundation鈥檚 2015 Vital Signs report.

鈥淲hile the youth service providers at the Youth Centre are currently making accommodations for those facing accessibility challenges, we recognize that this is nowhere near the same as offering an equal and accessible space to everyone. An elevator has always been a part of our vision for the Penticton Youth Centre,鈥� said Aaron McRann, executive director of the Community Foundation.

鈥淎s we embark on this next phase, we call upon the community once again to join us in making the important services at the Youth Centre even more accessible,鈥� said McRann.

To donate to the 鈥淕ive our Youth a Lift鈥� campaign, or contact the Community Foundation.