For Youth, By Youth
A Fundraiser For The Regional Multicultural Youth Council
Story and photo by Abigail Heron
Youth programming is a vital cornerstone of our city, but how many organizations can earnestly say their services are for youth, by youth? Since 1985, the Regional Multicultural Youth Council (RMYC) has led the charge on empowering young people to serve their community in a variety of different initiatives, such as anti-racism campaigns, girl power workshops, and food insecurity combatants. But even still, the not-for-profit flies relatively under the radar for citizens unfamiliar with the local activism sphere.
In an effort to make their presence more well known and to help to financially support their initiatives, the RMYC will be hosting a concert fundraiser this September 6 at the City and District of Thunder Bay Youth Wellness Hub.
“When it feels like you can't save the world, you can always help your own community,” says Sophie Shaffer, bassist for Dongy, one of the bands donating their time for the benefits show. The event is set to have three other performers, including Marlon and Les Gardes, Loudtooth, and Zander Tourigny, along with draw prizes, free food, and merchandise designed by award-winning local artist Amelia Jardine for sale. Admission is by donation and all proceeds will go directly to the RMYC and in turn, places in the community with need.
“We’re here to fill in the gaps in our community, create accessible programming for children and youth, and serve as a third place. But our three main goals are to help youth graduate, keep youth safe, and give youth a voice,” says Admire Kargbo, vice president of the council. During the summer, the council employs a team of peer mentors to create and run their own programs to help combat what they determine to be vulnerabilities in their community.
“My hope would be for people to value youth work more because I feel that, a lot of the time, we're considered as less-than, but we're going to be the adults of the future, right?” says Kargbo. “A lot of people think it's completely unattainable for youth to run their own children's or wellness program, but with the opportunities we've been given here, it makes it all seem much more attainable. [Because of the RMYC] I'm now able to dream and achieve higher.”
The fundraiser takes place on September 6 at 4 pm at 1134 Roland Street. Find out more across social media @rmyc_tbay and rmyc.info.
