The Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) and RBC Foundation have awarded a grant of $15,000 to support Network Green.
The project will bring together five to 10 youth environmental leaders from across Abbotsford to develop projects that address some of the most pressing sustainability challenges facing the community.
Gillian Mann, 28, is one of the project leaders, and said the group is excited to have won the grant.
“This is such an incredible opportunity for youth to take positive action on climate change and sustainability in Abbotsford,” she said.
“I am excited to sit side by side with youth to help them shape their own futures and the standards for their future communities.”
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She thanked the ACF and RBC Foundation for “recognizing the impact young leaders can make.”
As a part of the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge, grants like this one are being made to youth-led projects in 150 small and medium-sized communities across Canada.
The goal of the program is to shift the power to young leaders making positive social or environmental change in their communities, while gaining valuable skills and experience.
“Young people are not future leaders – they are leading social and environmental change right now,” said Andrew Chunilall, CEO of Community Foundations of Canada.
“We are honoured to play a role in the bold change that youth are leading across the country through this national initiative with RBC.”
The cheque presentation was held Nov. 18 at Sweeney Neighbourhood Centre in Abbotsford.
On hand to present $15,000 to the Abbotsford Youth Council were ACF grants chair Andrea Senft, ACF executive director Wendy Neufeld, RBC Sevenoaks branch manager Jason Epp and assistant branch manager Angie Webster.
“RBC is committed to the power, vision and potential of youth, and the important role they play in their communities,” Epp said.