The Central Okanagan Foundation for Youth and contributed $9,055 to support seven youth led projects based in the Central and South Okanagan.

These grants are available to young people up to age 25 who are partnering with an organization to create positive change in their local community.

鈥淲e are amazed by the creativity and community spirit demonstrated by these young people. We can鈥檛 wait to watch the projects as they develop. Future community leaders in our midst,鈥� said Helen Jackman, executive director of the United Way Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen.

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The awards ranged from $250 to $2,000.

The Youth Initiative Grant recipients for 2018 are:

- Call Home, Enactus Okanagan College (91大黄鸭)

- More LGBTQ+ Friends, Etcetera - The Bridge Youth and Family Services (91大黄鸭)

- Hyphen Project Gardening Initiative, SD53 (Oliver)

- Take Two, Interact Club as part of the Rotary Club of 91大黄鸭 Ogopogo (91大黄鸭)

- Intergenerational Computer Literacy, Peachland Wellness Centre (Peachland)

- Silver Surfers, Enactus Okanagan College (91大黄鸭)

- Women鈥檚 Shelter Clothing Drive, Aberdeen Hall (91大黄鸭)

鈥淭hese grants encourage initiatives led by community members who are 25 and under. It鈥檚 really exciting to see the projects that they can undertake with modest financial support,鈥� said Joanne Carey, co-ordinator of grants and community Initiatives at the Central Okanagan Foundation.

An example is the Etcetera Project 鈥� which offers a safe space for youth 11 to 18 years who meet weekly with the support of a staff member from The Bridge Youth and Family Services.

鈥淚t鈥檚 hard for kids who are LGBTQ+ to have a safe place sometimes and to tell people they need help, and Etcetera can help them. We want marketing about Etcetera so people will come check it out,鈥� said Adrian Perez Ara, co-ordinator of the Etcetera Program.