Fueling Dreams for Indigenous Youth
Empowering Indigenous youth through mental wellness programming
This winter, LiveDifferent embarks on a vital journey across the ice roads of Northern Manitoba, reaching out to remote Indigenous communities. Our mission is clear: to connect with and empower Indigenous youth, whose voices and stories often remain unheard. With the distressing statistic that the suicide rate among these youth is 5 to 6 times higher than the national average, our initiative is not just timely; it’s crucial.
We’re bringing our 2-day Circles program, specifically designed to support the mental wellness of these young individuals. This program is more than just an event; it’s a lifeline, offering motivational assemblies, interactive workshops, and a space for meaningful conversations that inspire and foster resilience.
“This campaign embodies our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of Indigenous youth,” says Mary Anne Roy, Manager of Community Engagement at LiveDifferent.
The program is facilitated by our road team volunteers who travel by truck from Niagra Falls, Ontario to the first Indigenous community of Saint Theresa Point First Nation, Manitoba – a distance of more than 3,000 KM which takes them about 40 hours!
The fundraising goal for this campaign is a minimum of $10,000 and the initiative is designed to engage donors in a unique way – for every $25 contribution, participants gain an entry to win two round-trip WestJet tickets, making their support even more rewarding.
“Our partnership with WestJet adds an exciting dimension, giving our supporters a unique opportunity to gain while they give. We believe this approach will not only raise the necessary funds but also increase awareness about the critical need for mental wellness support in these communities,” says Roy.
Donations will directly subsidize the Circles program, ensuring that more Indigenous youth can benefit from this life-changing program.
Together, we can ensure that this winter, the ice roads lead to more than just physical destinations; they become pathways to understanding, growth and hope.
Join us in making a difference, in not only bringing a program but a promise to these communities. With your support, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for Indigenous youth in these remote areas.
The “Fueling Dreams” campaign runs from November 28, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. GMT to December 31, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. GMT.