I am writing to acknowledge and publicly thank the folks from Toys for Tots and TIDES for the unqualified support they gave to the musical youth in our community during Pumpkins of the Pier.
When they asked me to put together an open stage event, they stressed that they wanted it to be for the young of this town and to open it up to what youth would want. It was a rare invitation and one I was thrilled to extend to as many young musicians on the Peninsula as I could come up with knowing that an opportunity to get up on a stage in the heart of your town and do what you do best is a powerful and life shaping experience.
As the Youth and Family Counsellor, at Parkland Secondary, I focus as much of my energy as possible on ‘do this’ or ‘try this’ ideas and I was delighted to see so many of Sidney’s young get up and take huge personal risks to follow their respective muse and dream. Many of the youth I work with have not necessarily been included in the relative wealth this part of the country has been blessed with. That evening I felt the community open up and invite all youth to be themselves in the most meaningful way of celebrating what they do the best.
On behalf of the musicians, a big thank-you to all the individuals who shouted encouragement and made a fine evening of it.
Roger Young
Sidney