Growing into the Next Chapter

You made great things happen this year! Take a Hike is at a very exciting chapter in our history. Thanks to the support of an incredible community, Take a Hike has been able to reach more young people than ever before. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping make this possible! It’s clear that you care so deeply for the lives of vulnerable youth across BC. So, thank you for prioritizing their well-being, their hopes and dreams, and futures.

This year, we were grateful to receive support from the Federal Government and the Rideau Hall Foundation. Both allowed us to perfect and refine our program model and grow faster– something that has been an incredible accomplishment. Take a Hike has come so far over the past 23 years, and it’s all because of the incredible growth and achievements of each and every youth who have joined our program. They have come to see just how capable they are and have dared to dream, with many achieving those dreams.

We’ve seen youth build resilience and lasting relationships that have guided them on the journey of their lives, and I am so thrilled every time I get to hear from Take a Hike youth and what they’ve accomplished.

This year marks my last as Board Chair at Take a Hike. Although with mixed feelings, I’m excited to remain part of the organization as a donor, volunteer, and an enthusiastic champion. As I reflect on my time with Take a Hike, I realize the amazing work the staff, volunteers, and community members have done to make such a deep impact possible. As we know, the past few years have been hard. Young people have had it particularly challenging with uncertainty and changing environments. It has been incredible to see how the youth in Take a Hike have not only survived these difficult times but thrived to become empowered to take on the next stage of their lives.

Take a Hike started with a working board with our feet on the ground to support vulnerable youth in Vancouver to achieve their dreams and find success. Now, we have been able to grow and share this mission with youth in 11 communities across the province. It is a testament to the power of this work that folks who were engaged at the beginning of Take a Hike are still very much involved today and eager to spread the word about the impact Take a Hike has had in our communities and across BC.

In my nearly 22 years with Take a Hike, something that continually stands out to me are the stories the youth share on the lasting effect of Take a Hike. The one that sticks out for me was Amanda’s story. After receiving her Business degree from UBC, Amanda experienced some life challenges. She was able to lean on what she learned during her time at Take a Hike to pick herself back up and get her life on track. She succeeded despite her hardships and challenges and is proud of how far she has come. It has been so impactful for me and our community to hear from Take a Hike youth and alumni as they share their stories with us and how the program has changed their lives – from those who were with us in the first years to most recent grads. In the coming pages, you will hear from alumni Sasha and a Vancouver Island youth – two youth who represent so many – who have accomplished so much because of Take a Hike and the amazing community who supports them. Being a part of the leadership at Take a Hike has truly been a privilege and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our committed community of donors, board members, volunteers, and staff who have made changing the lives of youth in BC possible.

Our sincerest gratitude to each of you who made a gift and supported Take a Hike throughout the year – you are truly empowering youth to change their lives!
 

Nicole Geyer, Board Chair, Take a Hike Foundation