What would you do with 10,000$ to benefit Squamish youth and leave an impact? This was what the five non-profit organisations in Squamish attempted to represent in their youth related projects. These projects were presented after months of planning at the Eagle Eye Theatre to the Squamish Youth council and some Squamish residents. There were many criteria that had to be met for these projects to make it to the final cut--they were based on being relevant to youth, lasting effect on the community and youth, a well-designed plan for how the grant would be spent, pertaining to a issue in Squamish, aligning with Squamish Youth council principles, success measurability and meeting all criteria.
The five finalists that made it past the initial Squamish youth council were Our Squamish, Youth Services, SORCA, Evans Lake and Howe Sound Secondary. Each of these organisations presented unique and well-thought out project ideas for youth in Squamish for the 10,000 dollar grant to go towards making their projects come to life in this dragons den semi-inspired event.
But alas, like any competition, it isn’t complete without someone walking away as the winner. It was a tough choice, but after both the audience and Squamish youth council had voted the 10,000 dollars was awarded to Howe Sound Secondary to go towards renovating the courtyard after the amazing presentations by two Howe Sound students.
Though after careful consideration of all the spectacular presentations the Youth Council decided that to give the other youth inspired projects deserved a little something to kick start them, so each non-profit received a thousand dollars towards their projects. This made it possible for all the non-profits to walk away with something for their projects.
Bears Den was created by the Squamish Youth Council and was the very first one--a truly original event. When former mayor Karen Elliot was asked for her thoughts on the event, she expressed her trouble deciding which non-profit project to vote for and could definitely see herself coming to another Bear's Den event in the foreseeable future.
The Howe Sound Secondary courtyard project launched their fundraiser on April 21st, and is trying to raise $60,000.00 to revitalise the Courtyard on Eventbrite!
Bears Den started something very important by allowing Squamish youth to have a say in what they want to see in Squamish and to be part of decision making to make Squamish a better place.