Prince George Ford has donated $15,000 to The Sk’ai Zeh Yah Youth Centre, which is a drop-in centre serving youth from ages 18 to 29.
Sk’ai Zeh Yah Youth Centre is operated by Carrier Sekani Family Services and is open to youth in need from all walks of life while also providing culturally safe wrap-around supports for at-risk youth and young adults.
Chris Wall, General Manager of Prince George Ford, said that it was a collective decision to donate to Sk’ai Zeh Yah.
“We do a charitable initiative every year, and we select programs in the community to support and give back. Our team wanted to give to this great organization.”
After receiving a tour of Sk’ai Zeh Yah, Wall said he was surprised to see how much good work was being done.
“I had no idea how big of an impact [Sk’ai Zeh Yah] was making, how big it is, all the services that are provided. It puts a smile on your face.”
The centre opened on Nov. 20, 2020 and in Nov. 2022 won an award Youth Leadership for the provincial 25th annual Community Safety and Crime Prevention Awards.
Sk’ai Zeh Yah helps fill in an area of service that is lacking for young adults, explained Amy Merritt, the centre’s director of youth services.
“A lot of the youth who access the centre are aged out of care, and they don’t have anywhere to go. There’s so much judgment on these kids, but really – they’re survivors. Our goal is to change the perception of these kids and the good that they are all capable of doing.”
The $15,000 donation will be used towards improving amenities in the drop-in centre for the youths that need a safe and warm space, as well as winter supplies such as blankets, socks, and coats.
