Team BC Active Youth Project donates more than 250 lbs. of clothing to Sherbrooke community organization and Lac-Megantic relief efforts

SHERBROOKE, QC – With the goal of fostering social responsibility and leaving a meaningful legacy in the host community of the 2013 Canada Summer Games, Team BC, in partnership with apparel provider Team Sales, has donated more than 250lbs of clothing to La Source-Soleil, an organization providing housing as well as community resources to support homeless and at-risk youth between the ages of 18-30 in Sherbrooke, QC.

In the unifying spirit of the Games, Team BC athletes, coaches, managers, partners and mission staff got together and gathered gently used athletic clothing to help youth in need in the community of Sherbrooke.

“It’s really important for the Team BC program to make a connection with the local community,” said Rob Needham, Team BC Chef de Mission. “We always want to find a way to give back and make contribution in any way we can. This was a great opportunity that our kids really got excited about and they were eager to get involved in the project.”

La Source-Soleil offers a variety of services including, but not limited to, a nine-bed temporary housing facility, skills training programs, community resources and healthy living programs. In addition to temporary housing, La Source-Soleil supports its residents through to their transition into more permanent lodging, and assists individuals in gaining independence by offering tools to help them achieve their full potential.

“This donation means that our kids will have access to clothing, good clean athletic clothing that is in really good shape,” said Martin Monette, Director of La Source-Soleil. “It will allow both our current and ex-residents to have access to quality gear, including children’s clothing which will go a long way in helping individuals who have kids get back on their feet. I find it incredible that a province coming to the Canada Games would consider lending a helping hand to the host community. As youth are the ones who participate in the Games, there is definitely a connection for us as a youth support organization. I have to say, I was very much taken aback by the size of the donation. When I saw the delivery slip and noticed that it said over 250 lbs., I was shocked.”
In addition to gently used clothing Team BC official clothing supplier, Victoria-based Team Sales, was also eager to take part in the initiative, donating a large amount of new athletic gear. Items include t-shirts, shorts, sweaters, jackets, tanks, hats, pants, and more. These items will have a significant impact on the organization’s healthy living programs and will go a long way in supporting individuals’ reintegration into their community.

“When we were awarded the opportunity to provide the apparel for Team BC, we at Team Sales immediately felt we were part of the team,” said Moreno Stefani Team Sales Vice-President of Sales. “Personally I have been brought up to believe that when you spend time in someone’s home, in this case Sherbrooke Quebec, you should always leave a gift of gratitude for your wonderful hosts.”

In addition to supporting local programs, Team BC, in partnership with La Source-Soleil will give fifty percent of the clothing donation to relief efforts in nearby Lac-Megantic. After a devastating train derailment a few weeks ago, residents of Lac-Megantic are working to rebuild. The news touched Canadians from coast to coast, and Team BC was compelled to help in any way they could.

“Just as the Canada Games unites the country, I think all of us were brought together by the tragedy at Lac-Megantic. Understanding that there is so much needed at this time as the community begins to recover we are pleased to play a very small part in contributing to that effort. The Canada Games brings together kids from every province and territory in our country and we hope the people of Lac-Megantic know that everyone across Canada is supporting them as they begin to rebuild.”

When Team BC reached out to Mr. Monette and asked if his organization would be willing to give part of the donation to relief efforts in Lac-Megantic, he was immediately on board. Without hesitation, Monette offered resources to divide up donated items and ensure they get to the people who need it most in Lac-Megantic.

“As soon as Team BC proposed to give part of the donation to Lac-Megantic relief efforts, we were absolutely on board. We’re able to take on the task of sorting and splitting the overall donation 50-50, so in total 125 lbs. of clothing will be donated to relief efforts in Lac-Megantic.”
Clothing provider Team Sales also didn’t hesitate to get on board with expanding the scope of the project. As a company committed to community, the idea of broadening the impact of the Team BC Active Youth Project was a perfect fit with the ogranzation’s core values.

“The whole country was touched by what happened in Lac-Megantic,” said Stefani. “If this donation helps both the community of Sherbrooke and Lac-Megantic, even in a small way, then we at Team Sales are very proud.”

Over the years, Team BC has demonstrated exceptional generosity and commitment to social responsibility. The Team BC Active Youth Project mobilizes the goodwill that British Columbians feel as they participate in a multi-sport national Games, while recognizing the needs of others.
 
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About Team BC
Every four years the Province of British Columbia assembles a team of athletes, coaches, managers and mission staff to represent the province at Canada’s premiere multi-sport events – the Canada Winter Games, the Canada Summer Games and the Western Canada Summer Games. Representing the best in BC, they are known as Team BC. The Team BC program is more than British Columbia’s best; it is also about building excellence. For some athletes, the Canada Games are a goal along the way to what they hope will be success in sport at major multi-sport Games including Olympic and Paralympic Games.

About La Source-Soleil
Since 1989, La Source-Soleil has been providing housing and transition resources to help homeless and at-risk youth between the ages of 18 and 30. As part of the province-wide Auberge du Coeur network, La source-Soleil focuses on the individual needs of youth, as well as working to find solutions to the initial issues compromising youth’s ability to contribute to their community in a meaningful way.

About the Canada Games
The Canada Games are a national multi-sport competition with participation from every province and territory in Canada. The Games are held every two years, alternating between winter and summer. The 2013 Canada Summer Games will be held August 2 – 17, 2013 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, bringing together approximately 4,500 athletes who will be competing in 20 disciplines, along with coaches, managers and officials from coast to coast.

For more information on Team BC, including latest results, athlete profiles and calendar of upcoming events, visit www.teambc.org. High resolution images are available for download through flickr.com or directly on Team BC’s website.

Team BC Media Contact in Sherbrooke:
Tina Sarazin
Media Manager, Team BC
Mobile: 778-989-8462
tinasarazin@gmail.com