WATCH ABOVE: The Broad Reach Foundation for Youth Leaders is giving youth an opportunity to navigate their lives through a free sailing program in Toronto. Youth between the ages of 12 and 24 learn what it takes to be a team player on the water while developing confidence, leadership skills and responsibility. Susan Hay reports in this week’s Making a Difference.
TORONTO – The Broad Reach Foundation for Youth Leaders works with youth agencies such as the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto to promote accessibility and inclusion for unprivileged youth who need it the most.
“We’re really making the waterfront accessible to communities in Toronto that never have been able to come here,” said Danielle Lobo, a board director at the organization, which was founded in 1998.
Through programs both on the shore and the water, youth aged 12 to 24 use sailing as a learning opportunity to develop confidence, leadership skills, problem solving, and responsibility.
Alyssa Luttenberger, youth program coordinator at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, says she believes the program is making waves.
“It’s breaking down income barriers in particular because sailing is kind of associated as something a little more high income,” said Luttenberger.
“We wanted to partner with Broad Reach to give those youth a chance to do something they might never be able to do otherwise.”
Eric Holden, a professional yachtsman, has been sailing his entire life. Last year, Holden was named Canada’s Sailor of the Year – yet he continues to volunteer his time with this unique program.
“It’s a chance for me to give back and allow other people to learn the privilege of sailing,” said Holden.
“Sailing is an ultimate team building exercise … you can’t run a boat without everybody working together.”
Each day during the summer, they offer youth an opportunity to learn life skills and teamwork through sailing — and it’s all free.
“One of the biggest metaphors we like to teach is that when you learn how to navigate the water, you’re learning that you can navigate life and that you are in charge,” said Lobo.
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