April 28, 2014 (Trail, B.C.): Students in the Take a Hike Program were visited Monday at the Kootenay Columbia Learning Centre by representatives of TELUS Communications Inc. who presented a cheque in the amount of $6,650. The donation was made to support the program in its inaugural year in the West Kootenay region. Staff and students of the Take a Hike Program, Trustees of SD20 and members of the Community Engagement Committee were all in attendance to accept the gift.
“We are so thankful for the generous gift TELUS is making to Take a Hike West Kootenay. Their contribution will benefit at-risk youth in our community and will support the outdoor activities they undertake as part of their adventure-based curriculum,” said Rebecca Weatherford, Chair of the West
Kootenay Community Engagement Committee, a group of community champions leading the local fundraising efforts.
“It is a pleasure and a privilege on behalf of the TELUS team to support this innovative program that is making a positive difference for youth in our communities. We wish the staff of SD No. 20, the local engagement committee, and the participants the best of luck in growing this unique program” said Gordon Smith, manager of regional network operations for TELUS.
In partnership with School District 20, Take a Hike West Kootenay delivers a full-time alternative education program that engages at-risk youth through a unique combination of adventure-based learning, academics, therapy and community involvement. The program not only transforms and impacts the lives of at-risk youth in the region, but also their families and the wider communities in which they live. The program launched its inaugural year in the West Kootenay region in September 2013. The program’s students give back to the community with weekly volunteer outings to organizations like Kate’s Kitchen, the Salvation Army and the Beaver Valley Nursery School.
Since the fall of 2013, TELUS has committed $25 of every new Optik TV activation in the Trail region to the Take a Hike West Kootenay program as part of their TELUS for Good initiative. Since the campaign started in 2009, TELUS has given over $7 million to 49 local community projects. Together, with the support of our customers, we have helped make communities stronger with new parks, improved healthcare and updated libraries.
Learn about Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation
Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation offers an alternative education program that engages at-risk youth through a unique combination of adventure-based learning, academics, therapy, and community involvement. The program is offered in Vancouver and West Kootenay to youth in grades 10-12 who have few remaining options and enables them to positively change their lives.