At Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver (BGCGV), we know that when the economy suffers, the children and youth of working poor families, some plunged into poverty for the first time, suffer most. To compound the problem, when gang violence spirals out of control, it reminds us of the serious need for daily programs for kids during the critical hours when they aren’t at home or at school. Whether kids are alone, hungry, socially isolated, unsupervised or bored, Boys and Girls Clubs are there to give them a place to belong, which protects them from the lure of the streets and gang activity and helps them to instead grow into thriving, contributing members of the community.

We maintain a strict policy that no one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay, and with $25 annual membership fees, BGCGV relies heavily on the support of the community to maintain our programs and services.  Each year we raise close to 65% of our operational dollars to maintain service levels. In 2010, that means approximately $2.5 million.  Your support will enable us to avoid a reduction in critically needed prevention programs by funding operating costs in our Clubs, at Camp Potlatch, and in our Odyssey, Nexus (Substance Abuse Services) and Parent Programs including things like:

• Healthy Food for snacks and cooking programs
• Program Materials and supplies (i.e. arts and crafts, books, sports equipment)
• Staffing costs
• Educational, sports and cultural outings

By supporting BGCGV you will be giving children and youth opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have to help them pursue and achieve their dreams.

To donate call 604-879-6554 or go to: https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true