Is a provincial, volunteer-based charity founded in Vernon more than 18
years ago. Three women were concerned that underprivileged children over
the age of 12 did not receive a gift at Christmas from existing local
charities. They asked the radio station for help promoting their cause
and the following year, in 1988, the program was registered as a
non-profit society. The members of the first Board of Directors were:
Gordon Colledge, Betty Selin, Helen West, Shirley Olney and Cynthia
Feldman. Teens Count Too is able to carry on its mandate thanks to the
generosity of groups, service clubs, businesses and individuals. One
hundred percent of your donation goes to teens; no part of your money
goes to administration; we are strictly volunteers.
Teens Count Too
at Christmas
Continues to be a yearly event. Working in conjunction with the Salvation
Army in Vernon, Enderby, Lumby and Armstrong, Teens Count Too provide a
gift of clothing to teenagers at Christmas. As funding increases we would
like to also provide each teen with extra items, such as socks and
toiletries. We average about 500 teens per year (that amounts to 9,000
teens thus far). The gifts are distributed at the Salvation Army just
before Christmas.
The Board
of Directors
Recognized
that poverty issues extend far beyond Christmas for teens. As well as
offering financial assistance to individual teens for medical or hardship
issues, we have expanded our mandate to include a number of other
projects.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Teens Count Too sponsors
Scholarships each year to students in School District #22. In the past,
we have provided two $500 scholarships to students who have demonstrated a
high level of academic achievement as well as financial need. This year
we were able to provide a $500 scholarship to one student in each of the
five high schools in the Vernon district.
SPORTS, ARTS & SELF-DEFENSE
Supporting
Teens in sports, arts and self defense. We are in the process of
introducing a new project to support teens in activities that will
increase their self esteem and provide life long skills. This support
could include sports camps, art lessons or self defense classes. Some
equipment may also be purchased to enable the student to participate in
these activities
If you require any
further information please contact:
Garry Molitwenik
Secretary, Teens Count Too
Phone: 545-5153
Email:
garry.molitwenik@nocls.com
