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MARTIN PARNELL: The Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area

In 2018 there were 531 visits to The Club by Cochrane and Area Youth. In 2019 this figure had jumped to 2,038 visits.
MartinParnellFeb13
Year End Run/Walk for the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area. Submitted photo

Fundraising for the 2019 Year End Run/Walk for the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area came to an end on January 31.

In total $9,250 was raised for “The Club” toward a target of $10,000. Donations came from across the community including Footstock Weekend, Downunder Travel, Rotary Club of Cochrane and Fenton Automotive.

Also, a huge thank you goes out to the sponsors who included the Town of Cochrane, Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, Cochrane Eagle, Cochrane Times, Ink’d Graphics, IMPACT Magazine, Cochrane Red Rock Running Club, Cochrane Library and Patsy’s Place.

The Boys & Girls Club of Cochrane & Area (BGCCA) is a non-profit organization that has served youth and families throughout Cochrane and surrounding area for over 25 years. During critical out-of-school hours, BGCCA offers a safe space where children and youth can explore their interests, develop their strengths, and realize positive outcomes in self-expression, academics, healthy living, physical activity, mental health, and more.

In the 2018 Annual Report, Executive Director Jill Bilodeau, stated that “At a glance, 2018 was our biggest year in terms of growth and expansion of our locations, programs, services, and the community we serve. As promised in 2017, our club increased its capacity while continuously providing standard, quality service to our dedicated community.

After realizing the need of the community for a dedicated youth space, and with the overwhelming support of the community - we fostered The CLUB. The CLUB symbolizes more than a hangout place - it embodies our mission to provide youth with a safe, supportive place where new opportunities, positive relationships and confidence are found. As the first teen space in Cochrane and area, we are devoted to providing youth with services and support such as Life Skill Workshops, LGBTQ2S+ support, musical expression, all year outreach programming, tutoring, drop-in, and of course themed parties. We are especially thankful to the community for assisting us in providing youth with an inspiring place to face some of the most difficult challenges during their vulnerable years. We are grateful for each individual and organization involved in creating a vision for The CLUB."

In 2018 there were 531 visits to The Club by Cochrane and Area Youth. In 2019 this figure had jumped to 2,038 visits.

It is very clear that the job is not done and I’m very pleased to announce that the “New Year’s Eve Martin Parnell Walk/Run” will take place on Thursday Dec. 31 at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre. It will be hosted and run by the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and the funds raised will allow them to continue to support the local youth into the future.

© 2020 Martin Parnell
[email protected]
www.martinparnell.com

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