WRYM's Together, We Are Community Campaign June 5

MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, June 5, 2020
 
WRYM's Together, We are Community Campaign supports active, caring citizenship
The Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) has launched a fundraising campaign called Together, We are Community, that promotes active, caring citizenship in Windsor and Essex County - both to assist vulnerable homeless youth and also to empower the young people themselves. The campaign runs from now until Canada Day, July 1.

“Good citizenship is central to ending homelessness among our youth,” said Dave Freeman, a board member and WRYM’s donor development chair. “This is why our campaign culminates with Canada Day. WRYM assists young people with learning important life skills, accessing the resources and opportunities of our community, and becoming active empowered citizens. This is empowerment of the powerless and it works because of the support of conscientious citizens throughout our community. Together, we are community - and we all benefit as a community.”

Windsor Residence for Young Men ends homelessness for young men 16 – 24 years of age by providing a safe, nurturing home and counselling. WRYM has a 95% success rate, with one third of residents returning to extended family and two thirds going on to appropriate independent living. In addition, two thirds of residents continue education while one third find employment. WRYM’s Aftercare Program continues to assist former residents as they make their way in the community.

“In a crisis, we invite them back home to the residence - if that is what is needed,” said Freeman, adding, “Just as any good parent would.”

Given the ongoing need for social distancing because of COVID-19, WRYM’s Together, We are Community Campaign is being conducted online in cooperation with the CanadaHelps Great Canadian Giving Challenge on the Windsor  Residence for Young Men’s website at www.wrym.ca, as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The fundraising target is $30,000, and the Great Canadian Giving Challenge offers charities a possible additional prize of $20,000.

“Let’s support Canada Day as active, caring citizens,” said Freeman.

Until WRYM opened its doors in October 2012, Windsor/Essex had no transitional housing or life skills program for homeless male youth. Concerned citizens began working to raise community support and funding in the year 2000, but it would be another 12 years before WRYM was able to purchase and renovate a suitable residence. WRYM is an effective operation that continues to depend on community support to fulfill its mission.

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Media contact:
Brian Worrall, Chair. WRYM PR Committee
519.255.7930/226.280.7203 / jbrianworrall@gmail.com