“On behalf of Trails Youth Initiatives, I thank Ontario Realtors Care Foundation for the recent donation that contributes to ensuring  that vulnerable Toronto youth will thrive despite their challenging underpinnings. Youth engage in our outdoor adventure based programme at our 153 acre Newmarket site for 1 weekend each month during the school year and for two  weeks in the summer.   Trails’  staff team is dedicated to creating a safe environment built on trust, respect and compassion.   The buildings, both  the main lodge and cabins, provide  shelter from external factors such as: crime, violence, bullying, intolerance, and systemic oppression,  and are  also where youth learn how to be  vulnerable, resolve conflict, share  accomplishments and create positive relationships. Youth learn and practise  emotional safety skills such as:  honesty, compassion, courage and  trust.  Over the holidays, I received  an email from a young man who  graduated from the programme in the  summer. It simply said in the subject  title “How are you guys? I miss you!”  Trails is a home, a constant for  youth whether they are in the  programme or have graduated. This for me  exemplifies  what Trails stands for.  Thank you Ontario Realtors Care  Foundation!  The grant  ensures physical and emotional shelter for inner  city youth.“

                                                   Julia Morch, Executive Director, Trails Youth Initiatives