For the last 31 years, a unique organization has provided a safe space for local youth to come together, socialize and have fun.
Shelldale Family Gateway offers approximately 30 programs year-round for school-aged children, specifically designed for the youth living in the Onward Willow neighbourhood.
Programs range from after-school programs, arts programs, drama clubs and dance programs to summer camps, March Break camps and Christmas camps.
This year, they have started a music program called Shelldale Musical Adventures. Run by Elayne Ras, a volunteer who has played for the Guelph Symphony Orchestra, kids can learn how to play the violin or the viola once a week.
“Our participants come from highly marginalized and racialized neighbourhoods and don’t have access to things that more privileged children may take for granted. We try to offer the kinds of programs these children wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to participate in,” shared Diana Boal, executive director of Shelldale Family Gateway.
“Most of our participants come from townhouses or apartment complexes without enough green space to get outside and be active,” Boal continued. “So we place a high emphasis on gross motor skills and physical activity.”
The programs and services at Shelldale Family Gateway are made possible entirely through donations, grants and fundraising events, but Boal says that more support would certainly be appreciated.
“We need sustainable funding right now,” Boal said. “Most of our funding comes from our own fundraising efforts and grant writing that covers bits and pieces. It’s always a bit of a jigsaw puzzle and we do the best we can, but sustainable funding would be helpful.”
The community can support by visiting the Shelldale Family Gateway website and becoming a monthly donor. “We call our donors our ‘After School Heroes’,” Boal shared. “They really help us budget and plan our programs.”
“We’re grateful to the City of Guelph, Guelph businesses and the community in general for their generous contributions to our programming so far. It means the world to these kids to have opportunities that every child deserves to have,” Boal added.
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