By Colleen Flanagan, Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows News
A group of Garibaldi Secondary students donated $6,000 to help children and youth who have experienced or witnessed physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Rebels For A Cause, as the Garibaldi student group is called, met with representatives from Community Services, the umbrella organization of Alisa’s Wish Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, to present the cheque and learn about the centre’s role. Alisa’s Wish provides centralized, child and youth friendly, wrap-around services to those 18-years and younger, who are victims of abuse or a witness to it, along with their non-offending family members.
Heather Walker, manager of fund development for Community Services, who received the cheque along with Alisa’s Wish advocate Jodi Mason, and prevention and support worker Carrie Fedyk, said the money is very much needed and will go towards better supports for older children and teenagers. Walker noted there is an underutilized space at the centre which they are transforming into a dedicated Wellness Room. The room will have a calm and welcoming environment in order to promote emotional regulation, relaxation, and healing. The room, she said, was specifically designed in response to feedback from older youth, who expressed that their current waiting area felt more suitable for younger children.