Congratulations, YMCA Academy students on making us proud once again!  We received this “thank you” from Free the Children for all of your outstanding work and commitment on social justice and environmental issues.

This year has gone by quickly, but let’s recap and celebrate some of our amazing projects: We Day, Halloween for Hunger, The Vow of Silence, Peace Week, The Good News Newsletter, Greening of the FDC childcare playground, Earth Week, Earth Hour, tree planting, Free Hugs, That’s Not Fair to Me, seeing Dr. Jane Goodall speak, Sasha’s presentation on her work with Free the Children in Kenya, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup and the Healthy Choices Program with Brickworks!

Whew, it’s been a busy year of doing good, Academy students!  You are a shining example of youth committed to social justice – well done!

Academy students with staff at We Day!
Tree planting at Downsview Park for Evergreen
Academy students donating food during the Halloween for Hunger food drive
Cleaning up Budapest Park during the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
Academy Peace Tree created by students for Peace week
Cleaning up our local parks on Earth Day
Academy students take a vow of silence for an entire day

Free the Children Website

Evergreen Website

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Website

Earth Day Canada Website

Peace Week Website

Jane Goodall Foundation Canada

Jun. 15th, 2011 – Social Justice in Action!
YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, Community