By Chad Polito
On Friday, June 3rd , BGC Dawson will take part in the first ever BGC Club Day, a national awareness initiative that celebrates the positive impact of BGC Clubs in communities across Canada and the important work they do to promote mental wellness for young people.
BGC Clubs create opportunities that help kids and teens overcome the barriers that stand in their way. And right now, they need our help more than ever. In a recent survey, 100 per cent of BGC Club staff surveyed believe Canada is experiencing a youth mental health crisis, with 76 per cent seeing double the number of youth experiencing mental health issues over the last two years.
BGC Dawson has been anchored in the Verdun community for over 60 years and serves hundreds of children and youth every year. “BGC Dawson has always been there for our family” shares Jessica, mother of two children in our program. “The services they provide for our kids are invaluable”. BGC Dawson puts youth mental wellness first through the clubs programs and services that reach children and youth where they are.
On #BGCClubDay, BGC Dawson will celebrate the opportunities they create for young people—and they’ll be joined by a team of volunteers from Edelman Canadato provide a carnival for children in the after-school program. “We are looking forward to this carnival and the joy it will bring to the kids” shares Cindy Cohen, Children’s Program Coordinator. “COVID-19 was hard on our members but they made it through this school year despite all of the challenges they have faced. We have lots to celebrate and this carnival will be tons of fun for all”!
In celebration of BGC Club Day, the city of Montreal will be lighting up the Olympic Stadium in green on June 3rd! To top the celebration off, viral video sensations and Juno award-winning band Walk off the Earth will air a special concert for BGC Club Day on Friday, June 3rd at 6:30 p.m. on BGC Canada’s Facebook Live. All are welcomed to attend.
You can also be a part of the BGC movement! Whether you’re a former or current Club member, a BGC supporter, have kids who go to BGC Dawson, or just want to support youth mental wellness, share your story on social media on Friday, June 3rd with the hashtag #BGCClubDay and tag @BGCDawson. To learn more about Club Day, please visit bgcclubday.com or watch this special BGC Club Day video.
