The staff of the Goldstream News Gazette is proud of the connection we share with our community.
That strong bond was honoured recently when a video highlighting the relationship between the Gazette and the people of the West Shore earned a nod in an Island-wide Black Press competition.
Judged by our peers in community news, the Goldstream News Gazette's coverage of the plight of the Pacific Centre Family Services Association to create a coffee house to employ West Shore youth, was deemed among the best.
The Skookum Cafe, which offers vulnerable youth a hand up while handing out coffee, opened in December.
“The way that the Gazette has regularly featured it, and talked about its progress, has been really helpful,” said Mitzi Dean, executive director at Pacific Centre Family Services Association. “It really brings the community together and means the community is really supportive of Skookum. And that, at the end of the day, is helping the youth, showing support for the youth.”
The video highlighting the impact of those stories, earned second place in the Black Press competition.
“We’re proud of initiatives like these that showcase our engagement with our readers,” said group publisher Penny Sakamoto. “It’s really wonderful that our stories can make a significant difference in the community.”
Skookum provides youth employment with positive experiences where they can build relationships and learn skills.
See the video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=794922387191506