July 2009
In This Issue
- Turning Points
- Remembering William McGregor
- Lobster Lovers Title Sponsor
- Caddie Classic Golf Tournament
- AGM 2009
- Local Hero
Turning Points
The Turning Points program at Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton provides accommodation, support, advocacy and supervision to teens that cannot, and often should not, live at home. Turning Points staff are well trained to help teens with various life-skills such as decision making, money management, parenting skills, and conflict resolution. Most teens face life’s challenges with the knowledge that they are supported and cared for at home; however, many do not have a supportive home. Many face threats of physical or sexual abuse, alcohol or drug abuse, neglect or abandonment. In these situations, teens can find help through the Turning Points program.
Sixteen year old “Yasmin”, who went through the program in 5 months, thinks the program is a good one. “It’s a good program to start your life with. They teach you life skills, give you options. They were there for anything I needed. They would pick me up to go grocery shopping. They were there when I needed to talk to someone.” Yasmin, who was raised by her grandma for 5 years, has been in and out of a number of schools, ran away at the young age of 12 and has been on her own since. She has a 2 year old baby boy, and now has a good friendship with her mom. When asked about her Dad, all she said was, “I just finished getting a restraining order against him and don’t talk to him.”
Yasmin, unlike many, feels lucky to have maintained the same caseworker and have Lisa, a Boys & Girls staff member, working with her. Turning Points taught her how to be responsible with her money, to budget for groceries, and be informed about her culture. She has her own apartment, is graduating from high school next year, and is hoping to become a physiotherapist, but is keeping her options open.
“Ana”, who recently turned 18, successfully went through the Turning Points program and believes it helped stabilize her life. “It’s really hard to have stability, when you’re constantly moving from place to place and going to different schools.” Ana dropped out of school in grade 9. She was taken away by Social Services and lived with various family members until one of her social workers told her that she was on the wait list for Bearpaw, one of the placement phases for the Turning Points program. “I was on the wait list for a long time.” And finally, when she was 16 years old, she got in. She smiles as she thinks back to how she use to be. “I am the opposite of who I use to be. I would drink every day, all the time, party, steal to get clothes I needed, didn’t care, wouldn’t listen to anyone.” And now? “I don’t drink as much, I go to school, I have a lot of respect for myself, and am proud of what I have accomplished.” One of her accomplishments that she is proud of is saving for a car, getting her license and buying her car the very same day. Ana believes in all honesty, that without the Turning Points program, she doesn’t know where she’d be. “I believe if I had stayed with my mom, things might have been a lot worse. I’m glad I found a program like Turning Points.”
Remembering William McGregor
Verona McGregor has a smile on her face as she remembers her husband, William McGregor, with fondness. She describes him as “warm, kind and remarkable man”. The kind of man that was always willing to give a friend a helping hand. William was dearly loved by family, friends and made an impression on those who met him. He was known for his driven business sense, his good sense of humor, his love for golf and a good story. Verona smiles as she remembers when she first met William. “I was 14 years old when Bill started to court me. We courted for 5 years before he proposed.” William and Verona were married for 69 years before he passed away on May 17, 2009.
William McGregor was one of the founding members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton. He was invited to join by friends who were involved. The very first club was located in the Boyle Street area. It consisted of one room where all the programs took place. William was a Board member for a number of years and continued to be a supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton until the day he passed away. Upon his passing, BGCE received donations in his memory. An emotional Verona said she would continue to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton because “He’d want me to do the same.”
William McGregor is survived by his wife Verona, his son Stewart McGregor, his daughter Donna Gibb, four grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
Lobster Lovers’ Title Sponsor
Boys & Girls of Edmonton is pleased to announce that Flaman has agreed to act as the Title Sponsor for the 11th Annual Lobster Lovers Feast.
The staff of Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton, along with the kids who attend our clubs, would like to thank Flaman for their support. We could not have done this without you.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton will be returning to the Grand Ballroom at the Edmonton Marriott Hotel that adjoins the River Cree Casino & Resort. We hope you and all organizations that do business with Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton will join the fun and support this event October 30, 2009.
For all other sponsorship opportunities and to participate for the Event please contact Stephen Kufske at 780-917-6653 or skufske@bgce.ca.
Caddie Classic Golf Tournament
The 15th Annual Caddie Classic Golf Tournament is just around the corner. What makes Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton’s golf tournament so unique is the caddies themselves. Club members become your caddy for the day. This is both a rewarding and unique experience for golfers and caddies a like. The young club members gain from the volunteer experience and have the chance to spend time with business professionals/or community leaders. They have the exposure to golf, something many do not have the financial means to explore on their own. Join us on August 19, 2009!
Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton is accepting golfer registrations and sponsorship for the 2009 Tournament. Please contact Stephen Kufske at (780) 917-6653 or skufske@bgce.ca for more information.
AGM 2009
Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton held the Annual General Meeting on June 8, 2009 at Camp Discovery. All who attended were treated to a delicious steak barbecue and a birdhouse team building activity. The Gavel was passed to new Board President Patti Skogg and Vice President Gordon Edmiston. The Board welcomed new Board Members Kevin Dombrova and Teresa Mitchell.
Local Hero
During the Community Celebration Week, June 22 to 27, RBC branches across Canada celebrated local heroes in the communities where they do business, through focused volunteer activities, events and community donations. We are please to announce that Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton was recognized as a local hero by RBC Foundation. Thank you RBC for the donation.