EGADZ centre youth help seniors with lawn care

Saskatoon's EGADZ Downtown Youth Centre and the health region have found a match between young people who need work experience and a paycheque — and ailing seniors who need help to stay in their houses.

Eight youths are now helping seniors look after their lawns.

The young participants are described as "at-risk".

"They're young people that haven't had a proper opportunity. They live in our residential homes," said EGADZ's executive director Don Meikle. "They've all been given the opportunity to change their lives, and any kids that don't have opportunities, they are at risk."

They see the value of just being able to give back. It's really healing for them.- Don Meikle, EGADZ executive director

The workers are supervised by EGADZ staff, and were chosen based on their motivation, their commitment to the program and their commitment to themselves, Meikle said.

"Kids that go through this program don't want to be on social services," Meikle continued. "They see the value of earning money. They see the value of just being able to give back. It's really healing for them."

Local businesses donated a truck, lawnmowers and other equipment.

The program also got $10,000 in seed money from the Saskatoon Community Foundation. The Home First/Quick Response Home Care program contributed $5,000.

It's a full-time job for the youth, while seniors receive the service in return for a donation.

"We've had people donate three dollars because that's all they have," Meikle explained. "Some people donated fifty dollars."

Anyone who is over 50 years of age and needs help with yard work is eligible.