When you give to United Way you ensure that everyone can have a healthy life and participate in the community

Ally was 11 years old when she first started at the East Preston Day Care and Community Centre. “You could see that Ally was more timid at the Centre than at home, but I thought by having her around other people, she would break her out of her shell,” says Alley’s mother, Miranda Lacey.

Her behaviour changed when the Healthy Living, Healthy Eating Youth Program started. The main focus of the program is to teach youth simple ways to prepare healthy snacks and to be an overall active member of a healthy community.

Many of the parents who have children in the program describe the centre as a place to go after school, where they know their kids are safe and aren’t worrying where they are or if their homework is getting done. “I know that the program gives Ally something constructive to do after school on those two days it’s offered, “ says Miranda. “The healthy cooking part of the program is important, but so is the social aspect considering everything that is happening in the community lately. The program gives the kids a forum to talk about what is going on.” And Ally has asked to prepare meals at home.

The instructors take the members of the program on outings to restaurants in the community to expand their knowledge and experience of healthy eating. The experiences associated with the program have helped Ally take on a leadership role. She now helps to get things organized around the Centre and helps form groups of youth for food preparation and cooking activities.

You can help fund a program like this so other kids can excel by donating to United Way’s Community Fund. Your donation supports possibility and potential for children, youth, seniors and neighbourhoods right here in our community.