Youth Rising Above

Looking to make an impact without the pressure of a fixed schedule?

Youth Rising Above is proud to launch our Ad Hoc Committee, creating flexible, meaningful ways for professional and post secondary-student volunteers to contribute when they can. Whether it’s supporting events, short-term initiatives, or special projects, your time and skills can help drive real change for youth in our communities.

✔️ Flexible opportunities
✔️ No long-term commitment
✔️ Purpose-driven impact

Our work is powered by people who show up—when and how they can. This is one more way to make that possible!

📩 To learn more or get involved: [email protected]

We’re excited to welcome Dominika to the Youth Rising Above team! Dominika will be our Volunteer Services Coordinator, and will also be supporting with graphic design for our website and social media accounts.

Thank you, Dominika, for your commitment and for helping us support and empower our volunteers!

Our annual Grant Writing Party last month was a huge success—so much momentum in the room that we only remembered to take a photo at the very end! This is what it looks like when a team shows up with focus and drive.

Huge thank you to our YRA board, FDC team, and all of our volunteers who are truly at the core of our programs. Your energy and commitment make this work possible.

Proud of this team and everything we’re building together 🧡

To learn more about the work we do, or to join our team, head over to our website!

We’re thrilled to welcome Renesh to the Youth Rising Above team! Renesh will be our dedicated Grants Associate as a part of our Fund Development Committee.

Thank you, Renesh, for your commitment and for helping us open doors to make a difference!

Grateful for community that shows up in meaningful ways!

A heartfelt thank you to the Toor Hope Foundation and Kinterra Capital for supporting Youth Rising Above in what became an urgent response to the extreme weather were facing — helping equip about 60 youth with warm clothing, thermal bottles, winter gear, and a warm meal on February 25th. Your support made a real difference during a critical time.

Also, a big thank you to for supporting the event with 15 XL pizzas to help feed our youth and families — it meant a lot.

This is what community care looks like 🧡

Join Youth Rising Above at THREADS OF CARE, dedicated to supporting young people in our community. Youth are invited to come pick out warm clothing, winter essentials, and everyday necessities, all at no cost.

Stay for a hot meal, connect with others, and enjoy a welcoming space where you are valued and supported. Whether you need a coat, extra layers, or just a good meal and great company, we’re here to support you!

Address: Ralph Thornton Community Centre
Date: 25th February 2026
Time: 5pm - 8:30pm

Our annual Free Emergency First Aid & CPR Level C training was a great success 😀

On December 6th, 2025, nine youth attended our training, which was led by at The 519 . These newly trained first responders left with new knowledge, skills, and the confidence to support someone in an emergency.

From identifying safety concerns during an emergency, to assessing unconscious individuals, stopping bleeding, administering chest compressions and breathe, to using a AED. These actions in critical moments help save and prolong life. Their communities, homes, and schools now have 1 more person trained in First Aid & CPR.

The YRA team is extremely proud to see 9 more young people ready to help in the community 👏 👏

Our annual FREE Emergency First Aid & CPR Level C training is back on Saturday, December 6th The 519 location. This program is for local youth between the ages of 16-24 years old.

Our partners at SAJE Vital Signs delivers this comprehensive and life changing training for a select 12 youth. Please apply through our website for this important opportunity to learn life saving skills and knowledge. (Every applicant is screened and interviewed)

Visit youthrisingabove.org/first-aid-training to apply. We look forward to seeing you!

🎉 We’re closing out with the final set of amazing Passion Projects. Every one of these youth poured creativity, courage, and heart into their work, bringing bold ideas and authentic expression to life. 🌟

Together, these projects form the complete collection of Cohort 4’s Passion Projects - a true celebration of voices, journeys, and dreams brought to reality. ✨

✨ The Passion Projects are LIVE! ✨

We’re so excited to share the first 5 incredible Passion Projects! 🌟 Each project reflects creativity, courage, and the authentic voices of youth who poured their heart into bringing their ideas to life.

From powerful storytelling to inspiring designs, these projects show just how much passion can spark when we create space for growth, exploration, and expression. 💡💙

💫 Swipe through to see the first 5 Passion Projects and stay tuned, because there’s so much more to come!