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Donating Securities To A Registered Charity Through Your Registered And Non-Registered Accounts

December 11, 2025 admin Planned Giving

Donating publicly traded securities, or mutual funds, to a registered charity in Canada is a tax-efficient way to give back. If you hold investments such as stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs in a non-registered account or a registered account like a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), or Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), you can arrange to donate these assets either during your lifetime or on your death. This article explores how to structure these donations, the tax benefits, and key considerations when planning your charitable giving. 

Donating Securities from a Registered Account 

Registered accounts like RRSPs, RRIFs, and TFSAs offer taxsheltered growth, but withdrawals from certain accounts (such as RRSPs and RRIFs) are fully taxable as income. By naming a charity as the beneficiary of these accounts or donating securities from them through your will, you can reduce taxes while supporting a cause you care about. 

 

  1. Naming a Charity as a Beneficiary of Your RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA

One simple way to donate securities from a registered account is by naming a registered charity as a direct beneficiary, where permitted by provincial law. Upon your passing, the remaining assets in the account will transfer to the charity without passing through your estate, which has several advantages:

    • Avoids Probate Fees – Since the assets pass directly to the charity, they are not subject to probate (estate administration) fees, which can be significant depending on the province. 
    • Generates a Tax Credit – The fair market value of the investments or cash that is transferred to the charity from an RRSP or RRIF will be included in your final tax return. The charitable donation tax credit can help offset the taxes owed on that final tax return, including taxes on other income you have in your final year.
    • Simple to Set Up – Updating your beneficiary designation is straightforward and can be done through your financial institution.

 

  1. Donating Securities from a Registered Account Through Your Will

If you prefer, you can donate securities from a registered account through your will instead of naming a charity as a direct beneficiary. This approach allows for greater flexibility in deciding how your assets will be distributed among family, friends, and charities. 

  • Your estate would withdraw and donate the securities or their cash equivalent to a registered charity. The fair market value of the securities, or cash, on your date of death would be included in your final tax return. 
  • Your estate would receive a charitable donation tax credit of up to 100% of net income in the year of death (or the prior year if not fully used). 
  • However, assets passing through your estate may be subject to probate fees and potential creditor claims. To ensure your wishes are followed, work with an estate planner or lawyer to properly document your intentions in your will

 

Donating Securities from a Non-Registered Account

When you donate publicly traded stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs directly to a charity instead of selling them first, you avoid paying capital gains tax on any appreciation. Additionally, you receive a charitable donation tax receipt for the full fair market value of the securities at the time of transfer, which can help reduce your taxable income. This method allows both you and the charity to benefit—your tax burden is minimized, and the charity receives the full value of the assets.

Advantages of Donating Securities from a Non-Registered Account:

  • Eliminates Capital Gains Tax – Avoid paying tax on any appreciation of donated securities. 
  • Maximizes Charitable Impact – The charity receives the full value of the securities rather than the after-tax proceeds from a sale. 
  • Charitable Donation Tax Credit – Receive a tax receipt for the fair market value of the donated securities, reducing your taxes.
  • More Tax-Efficient Than Cash Donations – Avoids liquidating investments and incurring taxes before making a donation. 
  • Flexible Giving Strategy – You can choose which securities to donate, optimizing tax benefits while maintaining your financial goals. 
  • Potential to Offset Other Taxes – If you have high taxable income in a given year, the donation credit can help reduce your overall tax liability

 

The Campbell Financial Advisory Group

At the Campbell Financial Advisory Group, we help our clients manage their wealth so they can focus on what truly matters to them—whether that’s family, business, philanthropy, or personal aspirations. We take a holistic approach to financial planning, crafting tailored strategies that help clients build, preserve, and transition their wealth with confidence. Our process goes beyond investments; we integrate financial planning into every aspect of wealth management, ensuring that our clients’ financial decisions align with their long-term goals. Through thoughtful planning, we uncover opportunities to optimize tax efficient investment planning, protect assets, and create meaningful legacies. Whether planning for retirement, structuring an estate, or incorporating charitable giving, we guide our clients every step of the way, providing clarity and peace of mind in an ever-changing financial landscape.

The Role of Financial Planning in Charitable Giving

A well-structured financial plan helps uncover a client’s values and long-term goals, including their desire to support charitable causes. Through conversations about estate planning, tax efficiency, and legacy wishes, financial advisors can identify opportunities to incorporate charitable giving into a client’s overall wealth strategy. Many individuals may not initially consider donating securities or naming a charity as a beneficiary of their registered accounts, but with proper guidance, they can see how these strategies align with their financial well-being and philanthropic intentions. By integrating charitable giving into financial planning, clients can make informed decisions that maximize both the impact of their donations and the benefits to their estate.

 

Conclusion

Whether donated during your lifetime or on your death, securities gifts provide vital funding for the Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) programs, ensuring that vulnerable youth receive the support they need. By choosing to donate securities, you not only maximize your tax benefits but also create meaningful, long-term change in the lives of young people. Your generosity helps YESS provide safety, stability, and opportunities for youth to build a brighter future.

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Winter Giving 101

November 19, 2025 admin Christmas, Life at YESS, Winter Giving 101

We are starting to prepare for the holidays, and we know you are too! We have the extreme good fortune of having a community that is excited to provide during this time of year, so we thought it would be helpful to both our generous donors and our staff who handle the donations to share some more information. Let’s call it Winter Donations 101.

The structure of our programs has changed significantly, so the times and places that we accept donations have also changed. Please follow these instructions so that youth in crisis and the staff who support them are not disrupted.

 

WHEN AND WHERE

Donations will be accepted at our Whyte Ave location (9310 82 Ave).

Please schedule your donation drop-off to allow the best experience.

Please contact giving@yess.org

 

Last day for drop-offs is December 23!

 

DONATING CHRISTMAS GIFTS

If you are considering purchasing Christmas gifts for our youth and would like some guidance on how to ensure your gifts are most effective, we have compiled a list of items that are most frequently asked for. You can rest assured that if you donate something on this list it will go to a youth who has specifically requested that item and will be incredibly grateful!

Quality ear buds or headphones

Good to know: Items from dollar stores break after a couple of uses, so one $20 pair is more beneficial than 5 $4 pairs.

 

 Brand name sweatpants and hoodies

Good to know: Men’s and women’s, especially sizes M and L. Please avoid red or grey colours due to implied gang affiliation.

 

 Stylish sneakers and high tops (Converse, Nike, Adidas, Vans, etc.)

Good to know: For men’s, especially sizes 10-13; and for women’s, especially sizes 7-10.

 
Waterproof gloves

Good to know: A lot of youth are outside for long hours in freezing conditions. A high quality pair of waterproof gloves/mitts goes a long way to avoiding frostbite.

 

 General winter gear

Good to know: Like all youth, those who access YESS want to look trendy, even in winter, so they are always grateful for stylish jackets, toques, and boots (especially sizes 10-14). Lean towards snowboarder style if you’re not sure what to choose.

 

 Reusable water bottles and travel mugs

Good to know: Again, quality is important here as cheap bottles can leak into backpacks and soak belongings.

 
Smart phones, new or gently used

Good to know: Ideally compatible with a pay-as-you-go plan.

 

 Laptops, new or gently used

Good to know: We have a lot of youth working on finishing high school or starting post-secondary. Laptops are very helpful in creating consistency for schoolwork. Laptops must be less than a year old, with a receipt, to help us avoid refurbishing/disposal costs.

 

 Charging cables and battery packs, new or gently used

Good to know: Any variety welcome, especially portable chargers.

 
Backpacks

Good to know: Smaller backpacks are good to have for lighter loads, but for youth who may be experiencing homelessness, heavy duty, camper-style backpacks are invaluable.

 

 Gift cards

Good to know: Popular options are Walmart, 7-Eleven, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Sephora, Tim Hortons, McDonalds, etc.

 

 Portable gaming systems, new or gently used

Good to know: Age appropriate for 15-24 year olds. With games, if possible.

 
Quality art supplies

 

 Quality chocolates and candy

 

Please do not wrap Christmas gifts, as we will have to unwrap them to sort through all the donations and match items to each youth’s wishlist. You can help us by making your donation clearly organized, removing price tags, and not tucking smaller items like gift cards into larger items.

 

DONATING FOOD

If you are interested in donating food this season, it is most important to our kitchen team that they know what to expect and when. Please contact them ahead of time at kitchens@yess.org or calling 780.468.7070 ext. 238.

We receive a lot of turkeys during this time of year, so if you could help us diversify food donations, that would be amazing! For example, chicken, fish, pork, beef, other proteins, snacks, ready meals, or pantry items/dry goods are all good choices.

We can accept:

  • Donations that have been schedule with the kitchen team ahead of time. Donations arranged with the kitchen team includes perishables, extra items from catering functions that haven’t been served, etc.
  • Non-perishables that are unopened.

 

For example:

  • any non-perishable pantry foods, like canned foods, dried goods, granola bars, juice, etc. that haven’t been opened.
  • groceries with a receipt for a charitable tax donation.
  • perishable foods from gardens, catering companies, leftovers from events, etc. that have been pre-approved by the kitchen team.
 We cannot accept:

  • Perishable foods that haven’t been pre-arranged with the kitchen team.
  • Food that has not been prepared in a commercial kitchen.
  • Food that is in black garbage bags, not wrapped, or have been tampered with.
  • Food that has been at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.

 

For example:

  • home-baked sweets and meals
  • opened products (pantry goods, perishables, etc.)
  • bread in black garbage bags

You have now graduated Winter Giving 101! Thank you for reading this and taking these ideas into consideration when donating goods this season. We are constantly blown away by the outpouring of love for our youth over winter and we can tell you firsthand from being with the youth over winter and Christmas that they truly appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness.

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with our team, please call 780.468.7070 or email giving@yess.org.

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Ye Olde Craft Lodge #196 & North Star Chapter #2 Support YESS

June 16, 2025 admin Community

In a heartwarming display of unity and community spirit, Ye Olde Craft Lodge #196 and North Star Chapter #2 have proudly collaborated to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable youth. Thanks to the generous matching power of the Masonic Foundation of Alberta, the two organizations were able to present a $2,000 donation to Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS).

 

This contribution will go toward helping YESS continue its vital work; providing shelter, resources, and support to youth experiencing crisis and homelessness.

 

The partnership between Ye Olde Craft Lodge #196 and North Star Chapter #2 is a shining example of what can be achieved when Freemasons come together with a shared purpose.

 

The Masonic Foundation of Alberta played a crucial role in this initiative, matching donations and multiplying the power of giving. Their ongoing commitment to supporting charitable efforts across Alberta continues to uplift organizations like YESS and the lives they touch.

 

Together, we are making a difference, one act of kindness at a time.

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Aniel’s Story

March 14, 2025 admin Youth Story

When Aniel first walked through the doors of YESS, he was looking for more than just a place to stay—he was looking for a fresh start. His journey, like so many others, was filled with challenges, but it was also filled with resilience, growth, and hope. This is Aniel’s story.

Growing Up in Edmonton

Aniel was born in 1985 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton and grew up in the Mill Woods neighborhood. His early years were typical, but things began to change when he entered junior high.

“In my last year at TD Baker, I found myself getting into conflicts with everyone—teachers and students alike. At home, life was shifting as well. My mother had remarried, and I didn’t agree with her choice in a partner. I started hanging out with older, more troublesome people, and that led me down a difficult path.”

By the time he was 14, Aniel was struggling. He was couch surfing, disconnected from school, and engaging in substance use. The instability of his situation left him vulnerable, and he soon realized he had nowhere left to turn.

 

Finding Support at YESS

“That is when I found YESS—not by choice, but by necessity. I had nowhere to go, no food to eat, barely any clothes. At that age, living the lifestyle I had chosen, I easily could have ended up a statistic.”

YESS provided Aniel with the essentials—food, clothing, and a safe space. But more importantly, it offered him a path forward. Through partner programs and the unwavering support of staff, Aniel began to rebuild his life.

“This took time, and I had to be ready. Many times, I left on my own, only to return when I had burned bridges again. But the doors at YESS were always open. Whether I was there for a day or a week, they never shut me out. The staff understood the severity of what we were going through, and they were always there.”

 

Looking Back with Gratitude

Now, at 39, Aniel reflects on how far he has come. Life hasn’t always been easy, but he is proud of the journey he has taken.

“Being able to find my way with the help of YESS allowed me to still be here to write this. Every day, I wake up with gratitude. I have lost so many people along the way, but I am still here. Without places like YESS, I might not be.”

 

Why Support YESS?

Aniel’s story is just one of many. Youth facing crisis need a safe place, understanding support, and resources to help them build a better future. By supporting YESS, you are giving youth like Aniel the opportunity to find stability, hope, and a path forward.

Join us in making a difference. Become a monthly donor today.

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Creating Space for Cultural and Spiritual Wellbeing

January 31, 2025 admin Life at YESS

Young people are developmentally working to define their own identity and purpose and connections. Finding purpose and meaning in the world is a large concept that our youth do not always have capacity to delve into in their time with us; however, for those who are connected or building that connection, we want to foster their curiosity, experimentation, and beliefs so that they can feel safe to explore themselves within the larger world.

 

 

Tell us about yourself and your position at YESS!

My name is Josephine Irabor. I’m oiginally from Nigeria, West African. I came to Canada in December 1991. I am blessed with 4 great children, one girl and three boys. They are my light in this huge and challenging world. I started my position with YESS in January of 2023 as a relief youth support worker.

 

At YESS, we have four pillars to support holistic wellness and success: physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, and cultural/spiritual wellbeing. How do we define cultural/spiritual wellbeing at YESS?

For our youth, cultural and spiritual wellbeing starts with education and understanding of who and what communities they are connected to and how they make sense of the world.  Young people are developmentally working to define their own identity and purpose and connections, and we want to create an environment where cultural and spiritual practices are role-modelled, as well as available and accessible. 

We have youth who come from a diverse background, from diverse communities, and we strive to ensure that we are giving space for them to grow their value system and to value who they are, where they come from and where they are going. 

 

How does YESS offer culturally/spiritually relevant support for youth?

YESS is committed to helping youths access cultural resources. This includes resources for immigrants, refugees, Indigenous people, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. We can help the with finding a religious or cultural group or place of worship, obtaining treaty status, connecting with their band or Elders, attending ceremonies or traditional activities, or any other sort of connection to culture or a culture of interest to them. The YESS Cultural Coordinator gets youth connected through food, art, and even educational movies. The goal here is to create a safe space without appropriation, instead teaching appreciation.

Cultural programming such as painting, crafts, beading, Cree classes, Land Connections, and a space where they can come take what they need for medicine or crystals and connect to what they need to practice their culture and spirituality to is also provided. There is a particular place in the Whyte building call the Wellness Integration Room. If a youth isn’t connected to their culture and is interested in exploring their identity, or if a youth is connected to their culture and wants to express it, this will be the space for that.

The kitchen also plays a huge part in in the cultural/spiritual wellbeing of the youth, in teams of the different cultural foods they provide. Some of the youth have taken part to learn and prepared meals of their culture. Youth in the supportive housing program Graham’s Place can cook for themselves have groceries of their choice provided and they get to cook their cultural meals. There are occasions where one of the YESS chefs takes youth shopping in their preferred cultural shops. How awesome is that!

 

How do you see the impact and ripple effects of these kinds of supports?

The impact of these kinds of supports is phenomenal. Most of the youth who access YESS leave home without having learned anything about their culture, especially in the area of food. The joy and the satisfaction you see on the faces of the youth that participant in learning to prepare meals from their culture is fulfilling. One of the ripple effects of this kind of support is that youth connect to community, culture, history, identity, faith, and above all, family/roof while away from home. This then results in a sense of belonging.

 

What is one thing you wish the community knew about youth who access YESS?

They are all looking for one and the same thing: to be seen as individuals. This mean that one size dose not fit all. They are not to be stereotyped. Each youth should be treated according to their needs.

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Community Spotlight: The Newcomer Centre

January 31, 2025 admin Community

The Newcomer Centre envisions a future where community members walk alongside newcomers, helping bridge their transition into Canadian society. To achieve this, the Centre serves as a key catalyst and leading collaborator, shaping the attitudes, behaviours, and practices of organizations and individuals to appreciate and embrace the diversity newcomers bring.

With four main locations in Edmonton downtown, 82nd Street, Mill Woods, and the C5 Hub at Clearview Rec Centre, the Newcomer Centre supports up to 17,000 newcomers annually from all over Canada. Their team of approximately 230 staff speak and provide services in over 50 languages.

To discuss the importance of culturally and spiritually relevant programing, we spoke with Abdullah Ahmed, Program Coordinator for Complex Cases (Youth and Children) in the Enhanced Settlement Workers in Schools Program.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

 

Tell us about yourself and your organization!

My name is Abdullah Ahmed, and I have over 25 years of experience in the sector. I specialize in implementing projects at various levels, from large-scale initiatives to multi-agency collaborations that address complex challenges, with a focus on sustainable solutions for communities particularly children, youth, and newcomer families.

As the Program Coordinator of the Complex Cases Program, I oversee a team of 10 caseworkers, collaborate with service providers, and streamline services to ensure the safe and effective delivery of programs. Our work extends to public, Catholic, and charter schools, managing over 400 strategic partnerships. Additionally, I foster relationships with key partners, including YESS, to enhance program impact.

 

What kinds of support does the Newcomer Centre offer, and how do you see the impact of these programs?

The Newcomer Centre is a hub for newcomers, immigrants, and refugee families, providing holistic support to ease their transition into the community. Our services include settlement assistance, language programs, employment support, housing resources, and culturally responsive programs tailored to clients’ needs.

We deliver our services through a culturally informed approach, recognizing the backgrounds, pre- and post-migration challenges, and lived experiences of the communities we serve. This understanding allows us to connect individuals with the right resources, helping them navigate their transition and adapt to life in Canada.

Our goal is to collaborate with other service providers to integrate essential resources and enhance support for newcomers.

 

Like YESS, the Newcomer Centre has a long legacy in Edmonton. How do you continue to evolve to meet the needs of the community?

The Newcomer Centre has a long-standing legacy of excellence in service delivery and strong community partnerships. We take a strategic, responsive approach to the evolving needs of newcomers, particularly youth and families.

Our work begins with continuously assessing emerging challenges. By engaging with the community and leveraging trend-driven insights, we identify issues and bring them to sector leaders and service providers like YESS to ensure our programs remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful.

We also develop best practices using technology, enhancing processes, databases, and case management systems. As part of our evolution, we changed our name after 42 years to better reflect our transformation in meeting the diverse needs of newcomers. This strategic shift includes culturally responsive programs, mental health support, employment services, settlement, and therapeutic clinical supports.

Our holistic approach considers physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing for long-term success. By fostering cooperative partnerships, we empower newcomers, promote resilience, and build strong, connected communities, because no one succeeds alone.

 

How is cultural/spiritual wellbeing important to the overall wellness and success of people who access your programs? What is the ripple effect of providing culturally/spiritually relevant programming?

When newcomers arrive in Canada, they often face numerous challenges and barriers to accessing support and services. Both pre- and post-migration experiences, such as displacement, identity loss, and social isolation, can impact their well-being.

Culturally and spiritually relevant programing helps newcomers feel seen, heard, and valued, which is crucial for emotional resilience, mental health, and successful integration. Anchoring individuals in their cultural and spiritual identity fosters self-confidence and social connectedness.

These programs include supports for traditional practices, interfaith connections, and peer mentorship from shared backgrounds, providing opportunities to adapt to their new community. When people feel secure in their cultural identity, they are more engaged, economically active, and supportive of one another, strengthening social networks and community resilience. In short, culturally responsive support makes a profound difference in how newcomers thrive in Canada.

 

What is one thing you wish the community knew about people who access the Newcomer Centre?

I wish the community knew just how incredible and resilient the newcomers who access the Newcomer Centre, especially youth, truly are. I wish everyone could see their ambition and full potential. In our department, we work with individuals with high needs, and we recognize that no issue is too small or too big; it’s not about the size of the challenge, but the context for the client. Some clients have lived in Canada for 40 or even 50 years and still feel isolated, struggling to find a sense of belonging while navigating systemic barriers.

At the Newcomer Centre, we see firsthand that with the right support, whether through mentorship, education, mental health services, or community connections, newcomers can truly thrive. When given the opportunity, they unlock their full potential, not just for themselves but for the entire community.

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Natalie’s Story

December 16, 2024 admin 2024 Campaign, Youth Story

Natalie came to YESS when she was 15. At her young age and with a long list of unsafe and unhealthy living situations she had already experienced, Natalie worked with our Wellness Integration Team to identify what she needed to feel safe and healthy.

When she turned 16, Natalie had more autonomy over her choices for her future. We were able to support her goals and help her navigate the ups and downs of a medical diagnosis, reunification with her family, and finding the right housing placement.

Natalie now lives independently in supportive housing. Her reconnection with her family has been slow, but she has the support team she needs to keep herself safe and healthy through this ongoing journey. The foundation of autonomy and self-discovery Natalie built at YESS continues to empower her.

 

Keep a light on for youth in crisis and donate today

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Finn’s Story

December 9, 2024 admin 2024 Campaign, Youth Story

Content warning: mental health crisis and suicidal ideation

Finn came to YESS in severe mental health crisis. Unable to regulate their suicidal ideation and outward behaviours, Finn couldn’t stay at home.

When Finn came to YESS, we supported their mental health needs with our Wellness Integration Team, safety planning, and mental health first aid. We also had conversations with their parents on what supports they would need for Finn to be able to return home.

With the stability provided at YESS, Finn was able to break to cycle of sleeping rough. From that foundation, we worked with Finn on medication support, curfew support, communication, and life skills development.

Through all this work, Finn was able to return home to their family. The positive foundation built at YESS means Finn’s family was more prepared to support them, and Finn continues to go to therapy and access community resources.

 

Keep a light on for youth in crisis and donate today

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Youth Hope Month

November 19, 2024 admin Life at YESS

Parents often run through several “nightmare” scenarios in their heads when they cannot communicate with their child: one of the worst possibilities is that their child is missing. The mental pathways and fears that come up are fuel to an already anxiety-driven situation. As a mother myself, I have lived through the fears and the pain and the confusion and the desperation that parents go through when a child is missing. Nothing short of seeing my child in person, hugging them and telling them I love them will quell those feelings.

In 2023, over 4000 individuals (including youth) were reported as missing in Edmonton. No single agency, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) department, or social services has the capacity to respond to and find over 4000 individuals in a year. That’s why we ask for collaboration with agencies, partners, parents, teachers, friends, and family members. When we are all looking together, we are more successful at finding and supporting the young person who is missing.

Process is the most important part of a collaborative effort to find someone who is missing.

EPS has an online toolkit/checklist for parents whose children are missing. This document is a place for you to understand the process, take notes and be active in the investigation:

 

  • Evaluation
    • EPS will begin with asking if the parents/family members have checked their usual hangouts, friends’ houses, where they were last seen, who has been contacted and information around what happened leading up to their disappearance.
  • Risk Assessment
    • Once it is established that a youth is missing, EPS will go through a risk assessment on the individual situation and determine what work and collaboration is needed. Highest priority will be for youth who are struggling with mental illness, anyone with a form of dementia, and other high-risk factors that will activate EPS to go out and immediately patrol for the youth.
  • Investigation
    • If not a high-risk, then the missing persons department is activated, and a full investigation begins. Here, a team will look at covering a checklist of places and people that youth might be accessing, including using social media and phone tracking for support.
    • If a youth is still missing, then posters and news releases will be launched to widen the search and activate the community to be on the look out. The investigation will still continue alongside this community work; the net of support and activate participants simply grows.
  • Collaboration
    • When it comes to youth who are considered missing, there is an entire system of agencies and staff members who are dedicated to immediate action and support.
    • Schools, social services agencies, shelters, EPS, and Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) are all notified of youth that are considered missing. We are all put on alert to look out for and collaborate with youth who are listed as missing.
    • EPS has an entire youth division branch that works with agencies like YESS to share and collaborate on information regarding missing youth. We share updates on sightings, access to programs or resources, and EPS does regular patrols to ensure that they are around if a youth or agency needs them.

 

What happens at YESS?

When we are notified of a youth who is missing and their circumstances, we activate our staff to be vigilant for sightings. We ask around if any other youth have seen them and we collaborate with fellow youth-serving agencies to ensure that we are communicating when someone has access to the youth.

And the work doesn’t stop after a youth is found. We continue to work together to ensure that both family and the young person are supported in their reconciliation and given the tools needed to access to help reduce the likelihood of the young person going missing again.

Our goal at YESS is to establish communication and connection with the young person so we can understand what happened, how we can resolve the situation and also how we can move forward with new tools and supports to prevent this from happening in the future.

 

 

As a parent, it is hard to be hit with all the emotions and fears that come from a youth who is missing. If I could share one message with those parents, I would say that there is always hope. Hope comes in the form of an entire community of people who care, who listen, who understand, and who are activated in the search. It comes in the form of a process that involves you and supports you and is working on your behalf. Emotions and anxiety can create panic and urgency and fear, and we are here to help you navigate through them and find the hope again. Because there is always hope!

There are always people who are willing to help and connect and be activated. Parents are not alone, and youth are not alone.

 

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National Philanthropy Day 2024

November 14, 2024 admin YESS Champion

Royal Purple Edmonton has been supporting Youth Empowerment and Support Services for over a decade. They are a fun-loving, dynamic, dedicated group of volunteers helping our communities.

Canadian Royal Purple chapters have a mission to assist lodges and communities with a focus on increasing volunteer membership. With fun and collaboration, they provide quality educational programs and personal development opportunities.

Since 2014, Royal Purple has raised over $45,000 for YESS. Their positive attitude is infectious, and their annual luncheons have become a highlight of YESS’ annual calendar.

We are so honoured to attend this year’s National Philanthropy Day event with the Royal Purple’s own Sharon Ozouf and Gertie Love, who advocated for YESS as one of their charities of choice.

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