Kids take part in many activities
For a small “sleepy” town, last weekend once again proved that there were no shortages of things to do and events to partake in.
One of them being the 54th annual Okana-Qen senior boys’ basketball tournament in the Southern Okanagan Secondary School’s Hornet’s nest.
Not only were there teams from all over the province including the number #1 provincially ranked Southridge Storm from Surrey, but if you looked closely, you would have also seen a group of youth representing “Youth Cares” enthusiastically selling concession items from the canteen.
Youth Cares, according to their Facebook page, is a youth orientated volunteer group that focuses on developing leadership skills by participating in community projects, events, and activities.
The group has raised thousands of dollars in years past for various causes and service groups, as well as contributed countless hours of volunteerism.
This group, currently led by two high school students, Nikki Khela and Nina Oliveira, is open to students in Grade 5 to Grade 12 and they meet once a week on Tuesdays at Oliver Elementary School in the library from 3-4 pm.
Nikki, who is currently in Grade 10, is an avid reader and enjoys music. She also likes to volunteer, whether it be a small fundraiser or a huge project.
When asked what inspired her to become a youth leader, she replied, “I decided to resurrect Youth Cares because I was saddened to see that kids would not get to see the value of volunteering. I wanted to give them the opportunity I received when I was their age. Through Youth Cares, volunteering has led to great things such as new friends, new travels, and new memories that I will always cherish.”
Nina, also in Grade 10 at SOSS, is currently working at Canadian Tire and going on a Rotary Exchange next year. She considers herself a very social person who loves to interact with the public and meet new people.
According to Nina, she decided to get involved because “wanting to give back to the community and the great experiences of being a past Youth Cares member made me realize I wanted future generations to have the same feel and positive outcomes I experienced and highly value now.”
The group, who has been meeting regularly since October, now has 20-25 members and has already raised almost $500 for its first recipient, “Highway to Healing Support Society” for struggling families with children in financial medical need.
This is just one of many goals for Youth Cares this year.
Nikki explained by stating, “This year I hope the group will succeed in raising money and awareness towards many causes. We hope to help around the community, as well as on a worldly scale. We hope to shed light to those who are misfortunate enough to land in the dark.”
As with any organization, part of the learning process for these two highly driven girls is overcoming challenges that arise.
Nina highlighted a familiar challenge with anyone, regardless of age, regarding time management. “It was hard starting back up again, putting everything together and afterwards having multiple responsibilities. Other than facing some challenges such as coping with the public eye, meeting certain expectations and balancing between various activities, it’s been awesome,” she said. “We’ve had a great turnout of girls and boys and so far it’s been a success. I hope we can continue to contribute to the community and make a difference.”
Too often I hear at various meetings or functions, “Where are the youth? We need to hear from the future generation…” Well, Youth Cares is a prime example, along with a handful of other youth organizations such as the Air Cadets, the Oliver Ambassadors, and LINK crew in our town that are alive and well, and doing incredible things for our community and beyond.
Get out and about, look for them and if you find them, thank them for taking the time out from “being a teen” and giving back.
With your support and words of encouragement, these students could indeed be the change we want to see in the world.
Wondering what’s coming up that you can take a break from your schedule and check out?
Wed, Dec. 10th – 7 pm Footloose the Musical, Frank Venables Theatre
Friday Dec, 12th – 7:30 pm Oliver Handbell Ringers, Christ the King Catholic Church
Sunday Dec. 14th – 3 pm Oliver Handbell Ringers, Christ the King Catholic Church
Tues, Dec. 16th – 6:30 pm Tinhorn Creek Winery communal table dinner, Miradoro Restaurant
Life is hectic and everyone is busy. Take the time to get out and about, and enjoy what is around you – you’ll be glad you did.
Marji Basso
Special to the Chronicle
