Algonquin students raising funds to help youth struggling with substance abuse, mental health

A group of college students are organizing an art event later this month to raise funds for a non-profit that helps youths struggling with substance abuse in Ottawa.

Rachel Mulder, along with other students in Algonquin College’s event management program, are hosting a fundraiser at Head Office in Kanata on March 21st. All proceeds are going to the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Center.

“Dave Smith was a really incredible member of the Ottawa community and the treatment centre is doing really amazing things for youth and students our age,” says Mulder. “We’re raising money to build new classrooms so that the youth can go to school while they’re staying at the centre and doing their treatment.”

The event will feature two different art workshops led by local artists, games, food, prizes, 50/50 draws and a silent auction.

“It’s going to be a really fun evening [where] we’re going to have a spring watercolour painting workshop and an origami flower bouquet workshop as well,” she says. “We [also] have a lot of amazing items donated by local businesses.”

The event will also showcase local artists Lila Bajraktari and Danielle Xie, who are running the workshops.

Fundraisers ‘vital’ for smaller organizations

“We don’t have a lot of the manpower that the bigger organizers have so we rely heavily on third party events,” says Cindy Manor, the senior director of philanthropy at the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre. “It’s not just about the money, partnering with Algonquin has been huge for talking to these kids who are struggling.”

Manor says getting new classrooms built on site that can adapt to the youth’s needs is vital for them.

“It’s a holistic experience,” she says. “Sometimes we have youth come in [who] have learning disabilities and school is their trigger.

“What do we do with that and how do we help with that? A lot of times it’s the trades. Sometimes it’s art, painting and photography. So we look at working with that.”

The centre has been partnered with Algonquin College for the past three years and the college has committed to raising $80,000 over the next two years for the centre.

“Come to an event where you will be inspired,” says Manor. “You have young adults who are trying to support other young adults who are struggling by creating a fun event for minimal cost and you’re giving back to a life saving program.”

“Come out, enjoy, hear the stories and give back.”

Tickets for the event are $20.