Inuvik Youth Centre seeks fundraising help

Every weekday, Inuvik's youth centre opens its doors to 30 to 40 young people, but the centre forecasts a tough year for fundraising, and it’s appealing for help. 

The centre says fewer and fewer grants are available from government and companies to fund operational costs and the salaries of youth centre staff.

Lately oil and gas companies have been telling the centre they can no longer donate, and the cancellation of the Inuvik Petroleum Show means the centre can no longer use the event as an opportunity to fundraise. 

Executive director Renée Théorêt is concerned about the future.

“It’s challenging every year," she says. “We'll be looking at other sources of funding."

The centre needs at least $200,000 each year to maintain the building and staff three positions.

Beyond the next three months, the centre isn't sure where it will come up with the money.

The youth centre plays an important role in the community, and its closing would have an impact, says Jimmy Ruttan, vice-chair of the youth centre’s board of directors.

“You’re disrupting children’s ability to take part in safe, positive programming,” he said.

Jozef Semmler, who works at the centre, says he would like to see more people, especially parents, help out in fundraising activities. 

“It's the workers and the kids that help us fundraise," he said. "There's a couple of parents that do help give us tips.”

There are no plans to close the centre, but the young people who use it are worried about their centre’s future.

“I don’t want it to close," said Derrien Firth. "If it closes I have nowhere to go.”