‘Crises don’t wait for office hours’: Youth support centre asks for donations as temperatures plunge

A pedestrian on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton in winter.

A local youth centre is urging the Edmonton community to come together and provide crucial support for youth this winter.

Youth Empowerment and Support Services helps young people who are facing homelessness, trauma and crisis.

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All new and increased gifts will be matched up to $70,000, doubling the impact of every donation thanks to TD, EPCOR, Jim Pattison Developments and Enbridge.

“Crises don’t wait for office hours and neither do we,” said Cory Mowles, CEO of YESS, in a press release.

“Every day, and every night, young people come to us in their most vulnerable moments - looking for safety, support, and someone who will not give up on them. It’s the generosity of this community that makes it possible for us to be there 24/7. This season, your gift has the power to change a young person’s life.”

This year, YESS has also taken on the ‘Adopt-A-Teen’ program - aiming to help more than 6,000 Edmonton teens experience warmth and a sense of belonging during the holidays.

“Youth needs you this season more than ever,” Mowles adds. “Your support can help even more young people face the present safely and step toward a brighter future.”

YESS’ 24/7 Youth Support Centre provides a safe place to sleep, warm meals, trauma-informed resources and programming for young people in Edmonton.