Wrapping Up An Amazing Summer at Routes!

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.