This Wednesday, July 22, charitable organization Trust 15 is taking over Woodbine Entertainment’s Twitter and Facebook accounts to bring awareness, engagement and action to the powerful and important work they do in the Rexdale community supporting at-risk youth.

Throughout the day on Wednesday, Trust 15 Youth Community Support Organization will take over Woodbine’s social media accounts to share interviews with several of the youth who are enrolled in the program, infographics to educate the public on the impactful work they do, and information on how people can get involved to help grow the program so it can positively impact even more youth in the Rexdale community.

“This is such an amazing opportunity for Trust 15, but more importantly for the youth we have the privilege of supporting,” said Marcia Brown, Trust 15’s Founder and Executive Director. “I launched Trust 15 almost a decade ago, and I have seen firsthand how providing youth with support, mentorship and role model intervention, can positively impact their futures.

“Like many communities throughout Canada and the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has been very difficult on the Rexdale community. Many of the youth we support are also exposed to racism in the community and systematic racism in the educational system. Our youth are our future leaders. Help us help them by following and engaging with Woodbine’s social media accounts on Wednesday so we can bring awareness and raise additional funds to grow our program and help create bright futures for even more youth.”

Woodbine Entertainment’s CEO Jim Lawson has personally been involved and supported the program for several years and now also serves as Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. Lawson strongly believes in the program and knows that if more people are aware of the work they do, the greater potential there is to grow the program and expand its reach.

“Given what’s happening in society with inequality, we’ve committed ourselves to continuously look for opportunities to help eradicate systemic racism in our communities,” said Lawson. “Trust 15 primarily serves at-risk, black youth in the community who are often exposed to racism. If we can make more people aware of the impactful work that Trust 15 does, we can help them grow the program and have a greater positive impact on even more youth in the community.”

Cityline’s Tracy Moore, who also has been a big supporter of Trust 15 since the early days, offered her time to interview six of the youth enrolled in the program to help share their positive stories which will be published on Wednesday. One of the young men she interviewed was Trust 15 alumunus Pablo Milandu, who entered the program at a young age, has since graduated, but still makes it a priority to remain involved with Trust 15 to help others.

“Trust 15 is where I realIy found a sense of direction, found a sense of purpose,” said Pablo. “It began to change my view of the world to something that was bigger than myself. As I began to explore and realize all of the opportunities that were out there for not just for me, but opportunities for me to help people and turn passion into purpose.”

People can learn more about Pablo’s story and the stories of other youth enrolled in Trust 15 by following the conversation on Woodbine Entertainment’s Twitter and Facebook account @WoodbineTB and using the hashtag #Trust15Takeover.

About Trust 15

Trust 15 is a charitable organization that provides youth in the Rexdale/North Etobicoke area with programs that promote and facilitate positive behaviour, creative expression, and cooperative working skills. We exist to give kids in our community the social and educational tools to succeed in society. This is accomplished through mentoring and positive role model intervention.

Every week, Trust 15 opens its doors to 120 youth in the community through our Ladies on the Rise, Girls on the Rise, Men of Distinction, and Boys of Excellence after school drop-in programs. We provide a safe, nurturing space for these young people to discuss and find solutions for real life issues surrounding self-esteem, conflict-resolution, abuse, violence, peer pressure, and family life.

We connect youth with mentors, professionals, and community leaders who network with the group members, teaching them crucial tips for success and inspiring them to believe in themselves, their talents, and their futures. Trust 15 participants play an active role in developing our weekly programs.

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