Routes Newsletter

Wrapping Up An Amazing Summer at Routes!

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:33:37 GMT

From all of us here at Routes Youth Centre, we hope you have had an amazing summer and we wish you all the best as we begin the autumn!

Our Thank You to Canada Summer Jobs!

This summer we were able to hire two amazing young workers to join our team thanks to the Canada Summer Jobs program. As a part of the full-time team here at Routes, Haley and Cara were instrumental in planning and facilitating youth programs all summer long. Every group outing, drop-in activity, field trip, and workshop were made possible thanks to their hard work!

Haley and Cara, our two superstars!

As we wrap up the summer, we sadly must say farewell to Haley and Cara. We're so thankful for everything these two have given Routes since they've been a part of the team and we wish them all the best in all of their future endeavours! Haley and Cara will surely be missed by staff and youth alike! Thank you again to Haley and Cara for all of their hard work this summer, and thank you to the Canada Summer Jobs program for making this opportunity possible!

A Call for Your Support

Routes is a dedicated organization that provides a welcoming and safe space for youth ages 8-19 to learn, grow, build relationships, and have access to support and resources while they navigate through life. Routes is the only youth-serving organization of its kind in West Hamilton & Dundas. We serve 250-300 youth through up to 6,000 visits , and provide approximately 4,500 meals to youth who need them every year. There is no backup plan for the youth who depend on our services. Community support from donors like you who believe in what we do is what makes Routes Youth Centre possible .

In Dundas, 1 in 10 children live below the poverty line , which is roughly 400 kids in our community. There are kids in Dundas who need somewhere to go. Not the kids who are visibly struggling or who are easy to spot; they are the kids who are quiet, disconnected, falling through the cracks, and may not have a church group or a safe adult at home to turn to. Routes Youth Centre exists for them .

Youth come through our doors to get a snack, dinner, get help with their homework, find a trusted adult who knows their name , and so much more! Every day looks a little different: cooking club, open gym night, arts and crafts, workshops on healthy relationships and mental health, and field trips. Routes is not just a drop-in centre; it's a place where you belong , no matter who you are or where you come from.

Routes needs your help today to raise $50,000 to provide meals, workshops, support, resources, field trips and more for our youth. We kindly ask you to consider a donation of $1000, $500, or $250, so we can continue to provide these life changing services. When you give through our website, every dollar goes directly to keeping Routes' doors open, the meals coming, and providing the support that our youth need.

Please make a donation to Routes Youth Centre by clicking the button below. Thank you for your consideration. Please feel free to reach out with any questions to info@routesyouthcentre.ca or call us at (905) 929-0572.

Christina Romasz

Chair, Routes Board

Click above to download our donation mailer, or use the button below to donate.

Program Update

Making lifelong connections at
the Gage Park Greenhouse

Saying "hello!" to the animals at
the Twin Valley Zoo

As the season comes to a close, we want to spotlight the amazing things we were able to do this summer! The Free to Play grant program fully funded our summer field trip series, allowing us to take a field trip every week to enjoy an outdoor recreation opportunity in Dundas and Hamilton! Whether it was learning about exotic plants at the Gage Park Greenhouse, enjoying a day trip to Valens Lake Conservation Area, or making a splash at FunSplash Park, there was something for everyone to enjoy this summer. We want to thank the Community Foundations of Canada for funding this year's summer trip series. Outdoor recreation should be accessible to everyone, and the financial contribution of the Free to Play grant ensured youth were able to participate in every opportunity.

Making a SPLASH at FunSplash Park
at the Binbrook Conservation Area!

Exploring the best view in Dundas
with a hike to the Dundas Peak

In addition to grant programs like Free to Play, Routes was able to support youth this summer thanks to the support of people like you. Your contributions made it possible to provide 434 meals and snacks over the course of the summer. 79 youth attended our nine outdoor recreational field trips, four open swim sessions at the Dundas Community Pool, five days of Fun in the Sun at the Driving Park, and two visits to the local library - all at no-cost required . We facilitated the Canada Safety Council's Babysitting Training Course for 10 young workers , each now equipped with the skills to seek employment opportunities to earn their own income. Finally, thanks to the contributions of the Turner Family Funeral Home, Carmeuse, Circle of Life, and Wayne Nichols Insurance, we were able to provide 35 + youth with FREE school supplies that they will need this upcoming school year to find success in their classes. If you want to help continue these essential programs and opportunities to youth in our communities, please consider making a financial contribution today. We thank you for your support, and we look forward to the start of another terrific school year at Routes Youth Centre!

Andrew Payne

Youth Program Co-ordinator

You Can Help

If you have a moment, lend your support now. It takes only a minute and means far more than you might imagine.

Spring Has Sprung at Routes!

Fri, 29 May 2026 17:24:30 GMT

Thank You to Our Donors!

This past year, Routes Youth Centre launched a significant appeal for financial support from the Dundas community, on the path toward a sustainable future for the free, safe, welcoming space, positive relationships, recreation, learning and food security that Routes provides for the youth of Dundas.

On behalf of the board, staff and youth of Routes, we would like to send a huge shout out and thank you to those who have contributed in the past year.

Contributions of more than $25,000

Patrons Club Donations (collectively)
Hamilton Community Foundation
Bertram Foundation
Royal Canadian Legion Dundas Branch #36

Contributions between $10,000 and $25,000

Individual Donations (collectively)
City of Hamilton - Community Enrichment Fund
Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club
Dundas Rotary Club
Hamilton Family Health Team
Canada Summer Jobs
Highland Hills Faith Community

Contributions between $500 and $10,000

Carmeuse Americas
Circle of Life Cremation & Burial Centre
Dundas Pharmasave
Dundas Lioness Club
Dundas Lions Club
Dundas 55 + Group
Dundas Senior Citizens Club
Hamilton Optimist Club
Greensville Optimist Club
Dundas Family Physicians
Starbucks Foundation
St Augustine's Catholic Women’s League
St Paul’s United Church
United Church Women
Association of Dundas Churches

Our need continues, and as we start a new fiscal year, we begin anew to raise $250,000 for 2026-27. We ask for your continued support.

June is Patrons Club Month!

Each year a group of generous individuals make a donation of $500, $1000, or more as a part of our Patrons Club.

Patrons Club donors directly benefit youth in our community with contributions that fund youth mentoring, food security, and a wide variety of programming.

This year, thanks to our Patrons Club, over 4,000 meals were served, and over 300 youth participated in programs like arts, recreation, leadership, and community outings.

To become a recognized Patron, support youth, and receive a twice-yearly mailer on how your contributions have made an impact, contact us at info@routesyouthcentre.ca OR give us a call at 905-929-0572.

Thank you, Patrons! We couldn't do it without you!

Sincerely,

Carmyn Jack-Murphy

Centre Director

Routes youth creating their own pottery piece with a professional artist!

Routes staff and youth at the annual Victoria Day fireworks selling glowsticks to fundraise for our programming!

Program Update

Youth learned how to make their own homemade sushi rolls - delicious!

Teaching youth how to be safe and responsible when staying home alone

We've had an overall fantastic and fun-filled start of the year here at Routes! Our monthly program offerings ensure youth have a safe and positive space to hang out, try new things, and build life skills and friendships that will foster their growth through their childhoods. Whether it's spending time with friends during Open Gym, trying something new during one of our many arts and crafts activities, or participating in youth-focused programs like Positive Space and Youth Council, Routes has something for everyone!

We are so thankful to have been able to partner with many amazing organizations and community members so far this year to deliver additional programs at no additional cost to our youth. We want to thank the Positive Health Network, Dr Nicole Ciraolo-Wilson, DVSA, Joyce of Cooking, and the Hamilton Family Health Team for their collaboration in delivering youth programming and sharing their skills and expertise. Program Volunteers have a critical role in our communities by breaking down barriers to accessing high quality programs that develop healthy living and interpersonal life skills, which are so important for youth to succeed.

So many prizes to be won during our National Youth Week Carnival

Mmm~! Nothing beats movie theatre popcorn for March Break movie day

On Pink Shirt Day, February 25th, we highlighted the anti-bullying campaign through pink t-shirt decorating. By providing pink shirts to youth and allowing them to decorate them with designs or slogans that spread positivity, we ensured that acknowledging and celebrating the day was personal and accessible to everyone. May 1st to 7th was National Youth Week, and we celebrated youth, their accomplishments, and their contributions to our community with four days of youth-focused programming. Our fourth annual Dundas Dinner Dash was a huge success, which was only possible thanks to the support of our Dundas community groups and local businesses - thank you to the Dundas Chocolate Shop, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 36, and Picone Fine Foods!

Looking ahead, we're excited to announce our summer field trip series will be returning again this summer! We'll have a field trip each week in July and August where youth will be able to enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities across Hamilton. If you are interested in helping Routes continue to offer these low- and no-cost opportunities, please reach out to us about sponsoring a summer field trip! Your contribution would ensure that we can continue to support youth in our community. Thank you!

Andrew Payne

Youth Program Co-ordinator

Message From the Board Chair

As we head into June, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our patrons and supporters. Your annual commitment provides a dependable foundation that allows us to plan with confidence, respond to emerging needs, and continue creating meaningful opportunities for local youth. In a time when demand for our services continues to grow, the steady support of our patrons is more important than ever. If you've been considering becoming a patron, I encourage you to join this dedicated group of community champions helping to sustain and strengthen Routes Youth Centre.

Learn more about our Patrons Club: https://www.routesyouthcentre.ca/donate

We are also actively recruiting new board members who are ready to make a meaningful contribution. We are looking for individuals with financial expertise, business acumen, governance experience, or strong community connections who are prepared to take an active leadership role. As a small organization, our success depends on board members who are willing to roll up their sleeves, helping to organize events, support fundraising initiatives, pursue grant opportunities, build partnerships, and champion our mission throughout the community. This is an opportunity to play a key role in ensuring Routes continues to meet the evolving needs of local youth. Email info@routesyouthcentre.ca for more information.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in the work we do.

Christina Romasz

Chair, Routes Board

If you have a moment, lend your support now. It takes only a minute and means far more than you might imagine.

Routes Newsletter

Wrapping Up An Amazing Summer at Routes!

Our Thank You to Canada Summer Jobs!

A Call for Your Support

Program Update

You Can Help

Spring Has Sprung at Routes!

Thank You to Our Donors!

June is Patrons Club Month!

Program Update ﻿

Program Update