69% of alumni say a BGC Club saved their life
From anti-racism to Reconciliation to LGBTQ2S+ programs, food security to scholarships to job readiness, BGC Clubs battle systemic issues with systemic solutions—equity, acceptance, support, and opportunity.
Because of our Clubs, kids and teens feel more confident, get along better with others and make better choices.
BGC After-school Program staff, former Club kid
Growing up, BGC was my second home. It was a safe place where I always felt comfortable."
Growing up, Damion’s mother worked long hours to support him and his sister.
He was only 4 years old when he first joined BGC. His BGC Club became his second home.
“Snack time is the memory I will always carry with me,” said Damion. “I never felt hungry at BGC.” Damion’s Club gave him more than just food support.
“My Club taught me to never give up and to always try my best. It got me out of my comfort zone and helped build my self-esteem. Without my Club, I wouldn’t have been in school and may have been on the streets,” he said.
Today Damion works part time at his Club’s after-school program and volunteers when his Club needs extra help. Damion is well respected in his community and a role model to his peers.
BGC Program Coordinator, former Club kid
My Club has shaped the person I am today.”
Daniela started her BGC journey when she was only 5 years old. Her Club impacted her life in many ways.
Daniela’s father passed from cancer just 2 weeks after she was born. Her mother struggled to provide for Daniela and her sisters. “My Club noticed and helped in various ways by supplying food, Christmas presents and so much more,” said Daniela. “My favourite memories are all the fun field trips, from camping to waterparks. Not many Club members, including myself, had the opportunity to explore places like these, but BGC opened that door for many.”
Growing up, she was shy and lacked confidence. “Though I had an outgoing nature, I often hid it and kept it reserved towards the people I was comfortable with,” said Daniela. “But my BGC Club taught me how to be a leader and have confidence. My Club brought out the boldness in me that was always hidden.”
Daniela eventually transitioned from a Club kid to staff leader and today she’s a BGC Program Coordinator. With ongoing support from her Club, Daniela was recently won the “Mayors Making Black Youth” Award and the City of Brampton’s Inspirational Citizen Award.
“A life without BGC would’ve been more challenging, in terms of lack of opportunity and self-confidence,” said Daniela. “BGC is a family to me. I’ll forever cherish and appreciate the love and support I have received.”
2021 Regional Youth of the Year, Former Club Kid
The Club gave me a chance to be my own person in the world."
Growing up, home wasn’t always a safe place for Kowmitha. Her BGC Club became an escape from the turmoil.
At her Club, Kowmitha was given the tools and resources to understand her situation. “My Club gave me a chance to dissociate from my past,” said Kowmitha. “It helped me be my own person in the world.”
And with support of Club staff, Kowmitha grew to have confidence and a strong voice. “My Club mentor was the first person at the Club to realize my ambitions and goals,” she said. “He pushed me to be my own person and become a leader. I don’t know if I would have been able to engage the way I do today without his help.”
In 2021, Kowmitha was recognized as BGC Canada’s Regional Youth of the Year and is still working with her Club and community today. Advocating for numerous issues impacting youth today, she has a positive outlook and a bright future. “Despite the challenges I faced, with the right support and opportunities, I was able overcome a lot,” said Kowmitha.
Business owner, former Club kid
The most important thing to me was that at the Club, I knew I mattered."
A child of immigrant parents, Teresa had a lonely upbringing. She spent much of her time at home alone. While her parents worked hard to provide for her, she didn’t always get the love and support she needed. Until she started attending a Club.
“The Club made me feel like I belonged,” said Teresa. “I made friends, learned about myself and felt like the people at the Club cared about me.”
Club staff helped Teresa gain self-esteem and confidence, making sure she knew that she was capable of great things in her life. “The most important thing to me was that at the Club, I knew I mattered,” said Teresa. “A smile here or there goes a long way.”
Today Teresa runs the Italian Centre Shop, a grocery store chain in Alberta. She still uses the lessons she learned as a Club kid to help her lead a team of more than 650 people.
BGC Canada acknowledges that our work spans many Territories and Treaty areas and we are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are with us today, those who have gone before us and the youth that continuously inspire us in the work that we do. BGC Canada’s mission statement is to provide safe, supportive places where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life. We recognize that these values are impossible to attain without the ongoing guidance and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
