The Abbotsford Youth Health Centre (AYHC) is hoping to immediately raise $10,000 to cover basic operational costs for an additional day a week until ongoing funding can be secured for the program expansion.
The Abbotsford-Sumas Rotary Club recently supported AYHC with a $2,500 donation, leaving another $7,500 to be raised.
The centre currently operates two days a week for a total of seven hours out of a clinic at 1945 McCallum Rd., but organizers say the need has grown beyond the available hours.
On average, 30 to 40 youth visit each clinic, and five to seven are turned away.
The centre provides medical care and other urgent support to adolescents ages 12 to 24.
Many of the patients are “at risk,” meaning they face numerous barriers such as unstable housing, food insecurity, poverty, minimal family and social supports, and other challenges, including no family doctor.
Donations can be made online by visiting the website ayhc.ca.