As the 2016 year is winding down, all of Canada is counting down to 2017 which will mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg is also celebrating a pretty big milestone in just a few weeks – OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY of offering a safe alternative to the streets during the evening and after-school hours.

(For the history buffs out there, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg grew out of two teen drop-in centres established in the late 1960s: The Youth Action Centre of North Winnipeg and the Youth Action Project. In 1976, these two programs joined together to form a new organization known as the Winnipeg Youth Action Inc. and applied for membership in Boys and Girls Club of Canada. In 1977, Winnipeg Youth Action Inc. became a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and changed its name to Winnipeg Boys and Girls Clubs. In keeping with newly revised membership requirements, Winnipeg Boys and Girls Clubs changed its name once again to Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg in 2005.)

Over the past 40 years, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg has grown to become one of the city's leading youth-serving agencies, operating in areas across the city that need our services the most. This year we OPENED OUR 11TH COMMUNITY-BASED CLUB out of George Waters Middle School in St. James. Our Clubs are safe, positive places for kids to go after school where they can find a sense of belonging and respect.

“The Club was like a refuge for me for when things got tough, a safe place where I was welcome and where I could put my problems behind me. I would go there virtually every day after school and hang out until it was time to go home."
– Majda, Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg alumna

To make a donation to help kids like Majda achieve their dreams, simply click here or mail to 300-61 Juno Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1T1.

SO, PLEASE JOIN US THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. Your support strengthens youth, families and the community by providing a safe, positive place where children can play, learn and grow.

Thank you for your valuable past and future support. Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season surrounded by friends and family.

Sincerely,

Ron Brown
President and CEO
Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg