Coast Capital grants $200,000 to empower vulnerable youth in B.C.

Media Release

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Coast Capital grants $200,000 to empower vulnerable youth in B.C. 

Coast Capital supports Take a Hike Foundation with transformational grant. 

For immediate release –Take a Hike Foundation is elated to receive a $200,000 grant from Coast Capital. This contribution is empowering vulnerable youth across B.C. and will do so throughout all the 2023 and 2024 school years in the Interior, Lower Mainland, South Vancouver Island, and Central Vancouver Island regions. Since 2010, Coast Capital has been a steadfast supporter of the Take a Hike Foundation with gifts totaling over $600,000. This decade-long partnership shows the belief Coast Capital has in supporting local youth to change the trajectory of their lives and gain the skills and resilience they need to graduate high school and achieve success. 

Take a Hike empowers youth with a full-time alternate education program that also supports their mental health and emotional well-being. Take a Hike’s distinctive approach integrates clinical counselling, outdoor and adventure-based learning, academics, and community.  

After graduating from the Take a Hike program: 

  • 91% graduation rate (five-year average)  

  • 90% of program alumni are currently employed. 

  • 71% pursued and graduated from post-secondary education. 

  • Over 80% felt they developed the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for their goals and employment. 

Coast Capital has generously supported Take a Hike to help youth achieve success in their educational pursuits, realize their potential, and prepare them for a successful future. Within the Take a Hike program, youth will gain the resilience and strong relationships they need to thrive and survive.  

“A classroom for the majority can sometimes leave the vulnerable behind. Thanks to the immense support from Coast Capital, Take a Hike can provide youth across BC with the individualized support and skills development so crucial to their growth and ability to navigate the challenges of their young lives.”- Gordon Matchett, Take a Hike CEO 

 “As a federal financial cooperative and social purpose organization, Coast Capital is committed to helping create a better, more equitable, financial future for everyone. We are so proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Take a Hike Foundation so that thousands of youth can have equitable access to the education and training they need to thrive.” – Maureen Young, Vice President of Social Purpose, Coast Capital 

Sevan Kadian