Did you know the Upper Deck can be rented for birthday parties, family re- unions and other group functions? This rental income helps support the centre’s ongoing programs. Call 519.688.2266 for details.
Shell out for friends. Bring a jar of peanut butter to the Turtlefest Block Party to help support the Helping Hand Food Bank.
“I’m not the only one who’s showing my age,” says Lansdell, a known hockey fan. “The kids proba- bly don’t even know who half these guys are.” But Lansdell is also quick to point out that since the Upper Deck is funded entirely by donations, even covering the cost of the basics can be a challenge. “All the staff—myself included— raise their own salaries,” he says. It’s a funding model that reflects the centre’s affiliation with Southwest- ern Ontario Youth for Christ as well as its connection to a number of area faith groups. In addition to his responsibilities as Satellite Director in Tillsonburg, Lansdell also serves as Director of Development for YFC’s operations across Southwestern Ontario. It’s a role he enjoys, but he confesses he’ll always be partial to Tillsonburg. “The Deck has been around long enough that some of the kids who grew up coming here are now hav- ing children of their own,” he says. “I’ve run into quite a few of them lately and it’s neat to hear about the impact the staff and this facility had on them.” Programs offered at the Upper Deck include casual drop in times as well as weekly activity groups.
Supper Club, for instance, gives youth a chance to prepare a nutri- tious meal and then eat it together. “It’s amazing how many kids don’t ever get to sit down and eat with their families,” Lansdell says. “Life gets busy and the adults in the home are working or struggling financially to put food on the table and that most basic of human expe- riences gets sacrificed.” On Friday nights, the Upper Deck opens up for junior high-aged kids (ages 12-14), followed by older, high school-aged youth (ages 15-18). Staff also organize excursions throughout the year—camping trips, beach days and other social events. “We have a great group of sup- porters and a local steering commit- tee who help us keep the lights on and the doors open,” says Lansdell, “but we’re also aware that we need to broaden that network if we’re go- ing to be able to make some of the necessary facility upgrades.” The annual golf tournament is coming up on June 25th at The Bridges and as always, donations are welcome.
FENCING Trying to keep the dog in? Want some extra privacy? WROUGHT IRON CHAINLINK WOOD/ VINYL CASH & CARRY WE INSTALL OR
519.443.7429 FREE ESTIMATES
For more information, visit www.yfctillsonburg.com or call 519.688.2266 .
www.ironworksltd.ca ironworks@silomail.com
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