IN THE NEWS!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 4, 2024, Bradford, Ontario 

Families and youth from the Bradford area gathered at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library to celebrate a significant milestone with the inaugural event of the Youth Empowerment Collective. Founded by Francesca Licursi, the Youth Empowerment Collective aims to provide a platform for young individuals to engage, collaborate, and create positive change locally, with a vision to expand its mission nationwide.

The event was a day filled with meaningful activities, including a welcoming address, a proclamation by the Honourable James Leduc, Mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury, and the flag-raising ceremony conducted by our first-ever Youth Chair, Freddee from Bradford-West Gwillimbury.

Among the day’s highlights was the presentation of the first-ever Francine's Hero Awards to Oxford Learning Bradford, which honours remarkable achievements of local businesses and community programs that excel in fostering a profound sense of belonging among young people. 

Attendees witnessed the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the youth art exhibit, which will be available for viewing until May 18, 2024. Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to participate in various activities, including a draw for prizes for our talented artists.

The event was made possible by the dedicated support of volunteers, vendors, and sponsors, whose contributions were instrumental in its success. The Youth Empowerment Collective extends its heartfelt gratitude to all those who generously gave their time, resources, and expertise to make this event a reality.

Local dignitaries from Bradford and East Gwillimbury also attended the event in support, reaffirming their commitment to empowering youth and fostering positive change within the community.

CALL TO ACTION

As the Youth Empowerment Collective sets sail on its mission to empower and inspire the youth of Canada, the organization invites individuals, businesses, and community leaders from all corners of the nation to join hands in creating a brighter and more inclusive future for the next generation. Our goal for 2025 is to expand chapters into two more communities, each championed by a local youth chair.

To apply to be the Youth Chair championing your chapter of the Youth Empowerment Collective in your community, visit our website and apply today.

QUOTES

“The excitement today at the flag raising and the grand opening of the Youth Empowerment Collective was an emotional reminder of how we all need to empower and inspire youth - they are the future of this community and nation.”

- The Honourable James Leduc, Mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury

"The Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library and Cultural Centre is always excited to support and spotlight local arts and culture in our community. We're proud to spotlight the voices and work of young artists, while supporting capacity-building for emerging and inspiring grassroots groups making positive change in BWG." 

- David di Giovanni, Manager of Cultural Services, Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library

EVENT SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

Main Event Sponsor: Canadian Tire
Gold Sponsors: Dracup Insurance Brokers Limited Genesis Gymnastics Bradford Wellness

For a full list of sponsors and supporters visit   our Facebook page.

Youth Empowerment Day

May 4, 2024

WHEREAS: The Youth Empowerment Collective, a group of dedicated

volunteers, has chosen Bradford West Gwillimbury as the host for their

inaugural Youth Empowerment Day, celebrated annually on May 4th; and

WHEREAS: May 4th is a day of celebration, collaboration, and

empowerment for children and youth, fostering values of empowerment,

individuality, confidence, and kindness within our communities; and

WHEREAS: The Youth Empowerment Collective is committed to uplifting

young people, envisioning a Canada where every youth feels a sense of

belonging and thrives through opportunities to develop essential skills and

emerge as leaders within their communities; and

WHEREAS: It is our moral responsibility to ensure the well-being and

success of our youth, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping our collective

future.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That His Worship Mayor James Leduc and

Members of Council proclaim May 4, 2024 as Youth Empowerment Day in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.

https://www.townofbwg.com/en/news/bwg-proclaims-youth-empowerment-day-2024.aspx 

Contact Us

Administration

100 Dissette Street, Unit 7 & 8, Bradford, ON, L3Z 2A7, Map this Location

Phone: 905-775-5366, Send us an email

Address: Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, 100 Dissette St., Unit 7&8,

Bradford, ON, L3Z 2A7

Phone: 905-775-5366, 

Send an Email

By GHD Digital (https://www.ghddigitalpss.com)

We are thrilled to extend an exclusive media invitation for our upcoming event, The Empowered Expressions Artist Workshop, organized by the volunteers of The Youth Empowerment Collective in partnership with The Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library

.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Date: Sunday, April 7th, 2024
• Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
• Venue: Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, 425  Holland St. West, Bradford, ON, L3Z 0J2
• Event Theme: At the heart of our upcoming event lies a powerful theme, Empowerment In Action. Our theme embodies the fusion of empowerment, creativity, and self-expression, defining our gathering's essence. Through art, we ignite empowerment within youth, fostering confidence and resilience as they authentically express themselves.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT:

ARTIST OPPORTUNITY: Participating children and youth, ranging from grades JK through Gr 8, will have a unique opportunity to prepare their artwork to be showcased at the upcoming exhibit.  Led by a skilled artist from the Bradford School of Art, participants will receive personalized mentorship and guidance to conceptualize their paintings for The Empowered Expressions Youth Art Exhibit.

BEYOND ART: This event is about more than just art; it's about empowerment. It's about giving these young artists the confidence and belief in their abilities to create something meaningful and impactful. It's about showing them that their voices matter and that they have the power to shape their own destinies.

VOICES OF BRADFORD’S YOUNG PEOPLE: Hear the inspiring words from the participating youth.  Their words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering a sense of empowerment in our youth. By celebrating their achievements and encouraging every young person, regardless of differences (seen or unseen) to believe in themselves, we are helping to build a future where every young person feels valued, accepted, and capable of achieving their dreams.

• "Knowledge that I can do the job at hand" - Age 13
• "When mommy and daddy say, I can do it!" - Age 6
• "I can do anything as I'm not scared" - Age 7
• "Over the moon" - Age 5
• "The word 'you can do anything'" - Age 5
• "To say, I'm free" - Age 7
• "I'm kind and strong and responsible" - Age 5
• "Anything is possible" - Age 7
• "Helping others, being confident, and being grateful" - Age 7
• "I believe in myself!" - Age 7
• "I am strong, I matter" - Age 8
• "You can do it" - Age 10
• "Just try" - Age 14

**Why Media Should Attend:**

EXPERIENCE BEHIND-THE-SCENES MOMENTS:

Gain exclusive access to witness the transformative journey of Bradford's youth as they express themselves through art. Capture intimate, behind-the-scenes moments that showcase their creativity, resilience, and personal growth.

AMPLIFY YOUTH VOICES:

As members of the press, your presence at The Empowered Expressions Artist Workshop provides a platform to amplify the voices of these remarkable young individuals. Share their stories with a wider audience, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and aspirations.

INSPIRE OTHERS TO EMBRACE EMPOWERMENT:

Through your coverage, you have the power to inspire others to embrace the transformative power of empowerment. By shining a spotlight on the stories of these young artists, you can ignite a ripple effect of positivity and encourage others to believe in their own potential.

JOIN US:

We invite you to join us at The Empowered Expressions Artist Workshop and share in the inspiring stories of Bradford's youth. Your presence and your coverage will not only help to amplify their voices but also contribute to building a more empowered and inclusive community.

Additional Information:

• Parking: Free Parking Onsite
• Media Contact: Francesca Licursi, Founder, francesca@empowercollective.ca

Please confirm your attendance by Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, so we can make necessary arrangements. You can RSVP by replying to this email or contacting us directly at 647-225-2583.

We sincerely hope to see you there and look forward to your positive response.

Warm regards,

Francesca Licursi

Founder

Youth Empowerment Collective

Bradford, Ontario

www.youthempowermentcollective.ca