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Coast Capital Supports Expansion of Life-Changing Take a Hike Program for Vulnerable Youth in BC

The $300,000 donation is Coast Capital’s largest investment in Take a Hike to date.

 

Vancouver, BC – 26th February 2020 — Coast Capital has made a $300,000 donation to Take a Hike Foundation. This is Coast Capital’s largest investment in Take a Hike to support vulnerable youth across BC. Over three years, this donation will support the sustainability and expansion of the Take a Hike program.

“Take a Hike is an excellent evidence-based program that is making a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable youth,” said Maureen Young, Coast Capital’s Director of Community Leadership. “Coast Capital is honoured to support this program aimed at reconnecting and reengaging young people facing barriers to traditional education, and ultimately supporting them in completing their high school education successfully.”

Over the last ten years, Coast Capital has supported Take a Hike Foundation through its Community Investment Grants for Youth program. Coast Capital invests in programs that help young people build the foundation that will help them navigate life, achieve the education they need, prepare for the world of work and build their financial capabilities.

Take a Hike is a full-time program that uses the outdoors and adventure to engage vulnerable youth in school, community and mental health supports. Take a Hike is one of the few programs in the province to embed full-time mental health supports focused on prevention and early intervention into a school setting.

Since 2000, Take a Hike has transformed the lives of hundreds of vulnerable youth across BC, helping them graduate high school, build healthy relationships, and achieve success. Because of participants’ successes, Take a Hike has set a vision to grow into every community across the province with a need, desire and capacity for the program.

Gordon Matchett, CEO at Take a Hike Foundation said Coast Capital’s investment has been transformative – “Coast Capital is committed to the sustainability, longevity, and the expansion of our life-changing program, helping us reach more vulnerable youth before they slip through the cracks of the mainstream school system.” Matchett said, “We appreciate their ongoing support over the past decade, empowering youth with the skills and resilience they need to succeed in life.”

Coast Capital’s investment will support over 120 youth currently enrolled in Take a Hike programs in Vancouver, Burnaby, Delta, Nanaimo and the West Kootenays, in addition to growing into new communities on Vancouver Island and beyond.

The Coast Capital Savings team present the donation to Take a Hike Foundation staff and youth from the Take a Hike programs at the Take a Hike Foundation 14th Annual Moonlight Snowshoe event at Mt Seymour on February 13th, 2020.