Our mission

Enabling at-risk youth
to change their lives.

The Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation (The Foundation) was established in 2000 to support the Take a Hike program. In partnership with the Vancouver School Board, the Foundation provides the resources and funding for programs operations, therapists and outdoor activities. The Foundation has raised over $1 million in support of Vancouver's at-risk youth.

The People

The Foundation's Board of Directors is comprised of 10-12 leaders in the Vancouver community who are thoroughly committed to Take a Hike. All of the Foundation's Directors are volunteers and make an annual gift - A true testament to their belief in the program. The Foundation also features several volunteer committee members dedicated to furthering the development of at-risk youth. The Foundation employs two full-time therapists who work with the students in the program. There is also a part-time Executive Director whose salary is paid by the Board of Directors. As such, our donors are assured that 100% of every donation supports the students in the program. Our donors are comprised of leading community-minded businesses and individuals who provide generous support for the Take a Hike program. These include CIBC, RBC, Central City Foundation and IBM. View a list of our corporate and foundation supporters

Our objectives

The Foundation has three key objectives: changed lives, sustainability, and broad reach. The Foundation engages in a strategic planning process twice a year that relates specifically to these objectives. In June 2008, the board underwent a very successful strategic planning session to determine our priorities over the coming years.

For further information, please contact our Executive Director, Michelle Berry.

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