Fenelon Falls Youth Centre “The Loft” Grand Opening
Fenelon Falls: On Tuesday afternoon, BGC Kawarthas (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes) celebrated the opening of its first ever Fenelon Falls drop-in program. The program is now called “The Loft” and takes place at the Fenelon Falls United Church (123 Colborne St).
Activity stations included a Jell-O eating contest where contestants couldn’t use their hands, face painting, an axe throwing hit-the-target game (the axes weren’t real), making homemade stress balls, and making creations with beads.
The event was attended by a wide range of youth, community members and donors, including Mayor Doug Elmslie, Deputy Mayor Charlie McDonald, Councillors of Kawartha Works Community Co-operative Mike Perry, Tracy Richardson, Dan Joyce and Pat Warren, Kawartha Lakes Pride head Rylee Rae, members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and BGC Kawarthas Executive Director Amy Terrill.
"We are thrilled to contribute community support to this much needed youth service,” said KWCC Chair Jim Armstrong.
Late last year, a City of Kawartha Lakes 2025 Operating Budget confirmed approval of a BGC Kawarthas request for funds to support expansion of its youth services. This grant, and donor support, is what made the new program possible.
“BGC Kawarthas provides an integral support to our youth and children,” stated Mayor Doug Elmslie in response to the operating grant approval. “We’re pleased to support the expansion into the Fenelon Falls area, where youth will now have more options for after school programming and activities.”
The Loft program is currently operating Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:30 to 6 p.m., for youth aged 12 to 18. It focuses on providing meals & nutrition, youth mental health & wellness programs, academic support, physical fitness, and support for queer youth. There are currently 20 Fenelon Falls youth registered to attend the program.
The Loft is also holding a logo contest, asking the public to submit possible logos for the new program. Those interested can submit a design by June 13, 2025 to warehouse@bgckawarthas.com. You can find more information about the contest by clicking here.
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About BGC Kawarthas:
BGC Kawarthas, formally known as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes, is one of the area’s largest and most diverse child and youth serving organizations. Established in 1970, the Club provides summer camps, before and after school programs, early learning, licensed childcare, child and youth counselling, infant development, music, sports, recreation and adventure programs in the Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough.
