The day included a BBQ, a putting competition, and ended with a fantastic dinner reception, all of which was accented by a strong sense of doing good for your community. During the reception, a former client shared her experience of trauma from back when she entered 9th grade and how she felt supported through our court preparation program. “Child Witness Centre was my safe space in a shattered world,” she recounted to the crowd of 150 people. Her story is heartfelt and candid, and the dinner guests were receptive, giving a standing ovation when she finished.
Next was the cheque presentation. For our organization, that relies on the majority of its budget coming from non-government sources, every event, donation, and ounce of awareness goes a long way. But when the cheque was revealed our team was speechless. Through their own generous giving, along with donations from sponsors and partners, The Co-operators Annual Charity Golf Tournament raised $129,000!
It costs approximately $1,000 to support one child or youth and their family through the criminal court process, which means 129 young people will now be supported towards strong futures because of the overwhelming kindness and generosity of The Co-operators and their sponsors and partners. This money was raised in Guelph and Wellington County and will stay there! We supported 232 young people in Guelph and Wellington County last year.
There are almost no words to capture how grateful we are to be chosen as the 2019 recipients of this record setting amount of money, but if we had to choose one, it would be: Hope. Hope that the young people we support through the criminal justice process can move beyond their experience as victims and have healthy, fulfilling futures.. This donation has inspired a fresh, stronger feeling of hope for these young people and their families who need support!
You can check out more in the Guelph Mercury right here.