Nov. 28th is Giving Tuesday, a global movement for giving and volunteering, taking place after Black Friday. This year, we’re asking for your support! Make a donation or learn more about your contribution at: www.cnh.bc.ca/donate.
When Nathaniel Frank-Piche was 14, he was looking to make some positive changes in his life. That’s when a family member invited him to CNH’s C.R.E.W. Program. “The informal atmosphere allows me to be myself without judgment, starkly contrasting the formality of work and school,” Nathaniel said.
C.R.E.W. (Culture, Recreation, Education and Work), is a program for Indigenous youth offering multiple opportunities for youth to learn about Indigenous culture and pick up new skills in a safe, supportive, and warm environment. One C.R.E.W. activity that stands out for Nathaniel is the annual, 10-day canoe journey, Pulling Together, which brings together Indigenous youth, police, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Today, Nathaniel is 20 and attending a post-secondary institution with the goal of eventually becoming an electrician.
“C.R.E.W. has evolved into a vital space for me to connect with my culture, providing opportunities that positively impact my life and those of my family members. Returning to C.R.E.W. after the pandemic-induced isolation had a significant positive impact on my overall health, taking me out of isolation and immersing me in a positive environment surrounded by supportive individuals,” Nathaniel said.
Six years after venturing into CNH for the C.R.E.W. Program, Nathaniel is now a key mentor and role model to younger youth in the group. That sense of not being alone is transformative, Nathaniel said; it can even save lives.
While CNH receives funding for C.R.E.W. from the federal government, it’s not enough to meet the demands of this growing program. And that’s where you can help.
We know that this has been a financially challenging time for many. If, however, you are in the position to help, please direct a donation, of any amount, to Collingwood Neighbourhood House to support our programming. Please help us enhance the lives of those around us by generously considering a tax-receiptable donation today.