International Youth Day celebrated Cafe style

August 12 has been designated as International Youth Day by the United Nations. To celebrate this year’s theme, Youth Leading Sustainability, Vanessa Lee, Regional Coordinator with the Community Youth Network, partnered with the Southwestern Housing Stability Initiative and Stephenville Lions Club to celebrate our local youth and their achievements at the monthly Community Cafe.

With over 50 volunteers on hand, the majority being young people, it was a bustling day of activity.

Fourteen community organizations were on hand for the celebration with displays offering resources and educational tips for the youth and cafe patrons.  With many vying for a prize by completing a community bingo, an interactive game whereby they had to be the first to complete their bingo card by asking very specific questions. Others were informed on to make inexpensive, healthy food choices. The YMCA were there with fun exercise ideas.  With a photo booth, one could get silly and have fun while capturing the moment on camera.

Food items were collected for our local Emergency Food Services. Patrons were invited to fill out a ballot form for a chance to win a Coleman’s gift card…and we are happy with the results…a table filled with items and monetary donations.

Several young people entertained the patrons with music and song, while being supported by cafe regulars, Lloyd Swyers and Francie Downey. For the adventurous ones, they chose to have their face artistically designed with many two legged tigers, cats and dogs circulating the building.

Hungry? No worries, a very welcoming and colorful dining area was set with inviting smiles and lunch menus offered by Keyin College-Western Campus, Child and Youth Care Worker students.

With over 186 community members, young and older, under one roof, it was a great day filled with energy, education and celebration.