Spring Has Sprung at Routes!
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.