janet Bedford
Indira Naidoo-Harris Working with the CYAN Students at OPNC
Created for the Community by the Community, the Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre and Community Youth in Action Network (CYAN) has built a space “to bring together the community; a place where families are strong, where neighbours care and everyone shares”. Celebration is an integral part of the experience at Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre (OPNC).
The recent renovation of the second floor, made possible through funding from the Ontario Trillium Fund Foundation, and the completion of 15 years of service by the Volunteers of the Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre, created a wonderful excuse for a party and provided the opportunity for the Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre and Community Youth in Action Network to show its appreciation to the volunteers, members and funders.
Mark Emmanuel, an Ontario Trillium Fund Foundation Volunteer, was on hand to celebrate the Ontario Trillium Fund Foundation funding supporting the Community Youth in Action Network. Mr. Emmanuel says that, “this funding will help with the development of additional programming, community outreach initiatives and partnerships as well as enhance overall organizational capacity.” The CYAN youth were busy at the event working on projects such as giving the flower beds a good spring cleaning and readying the vegetable garden boxes for seedlings to be planted. CYAN is also supported through funding by United Way Oakville and the Community Foundation Oakville.
Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris congratulated the OPCN and CYAN on their success and expressed that she knew the “Ontario Trillium Fund Foundation funds were being put to good use.’ She went on to say, “I can’t think of two groups more worthy of this vital funding. When we help people, especially young people, to connect better with their neighbourhoods, we all win! When youth are given meaningful opportunities to be active in their communities... when they’re engaged and supported, and taught valuable life skills, we’re helping them to build a better future – not just for them, but for ourselves.” Indira felt the OPCN and CYAN Volunteers are “Dedicated, tireless and passionate people offering vision, mentorship, increasing public awareness , listening and giving valuable advice. ... making Halton a better place to live.
“Hop in the puddles, sing in the rain and smile at everyone you pass! ... We welcome everyone - morning drop-in 9:30 – 11:30 am.” A line from OPCN’s Twitter.
ATTENTION PLEASE! OPCN is having a Garage Sale (#garagesale) on Saturday May 2nd, 2015 ; 7am – 12:30 pm. Donate unwanted items, rent a space for $30.00 or donate online at #give
The Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre and Community Youth in Action Network are located at 2200 Sawgrass Drive at the corner of Glenashton Drive, just west of Trafalgar Road in Oakville. Follow them on Twitter at @oakparknc or view the web-page at www.opnc.ca Call: 905 – 257-6029
