YNOT’s annual community awards: Celebrating youth

By Shannon Delmarco

On October 5th, Liuna Local 183’s Gerry Gallagher Hall hosted the YNOT annual community awards to honour the remarkable achievements of local youth. The event saw more than 450 guests in attendance, including the honourable Judy A. Sgro, Councillor Anthony Perruzza, and MPP Tom Rakocevic. Together they celebrated 22 outstanding young people whose talents and dedication were recognized across several categories.

A poignant moment came when a former YNOT participant shared how the program had changed their life, providing crucial support and guidance during a pivotal time. YNOT’s Executive Director, Pastor Francis Ubah said their philosophy centres on investing in youth and building a sustainable future.

“For decades, my team and I have devoted our time, passion, and creativity to providing quality programs and services that empower youth and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing society. Celebrating those resilient youth who demonstrate exceptional skills and qualities is always a great pleasure. By recognizing their achievements, we hope to motivate them to stay on the right path and achieve greatness. I have a deep passion for serving my community, and as long as the sun rises, my team and I will be here to support youth and their families in every way we can.”

Pastor Francis and his dedicated team’s remarkable commitment to the community and its youth makes YNOT a beacon of hope and progress. Their tireless efforts as a nonprofit organization ensure that vital services continue to be offered to the youth who need them most.

This event, and YNOT’s year-round work, would not be possible without the generosity of the sponsors. Special thanks to Liuna Local 183, Liuna Local 506, Unifor, IBEW, Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), and the Angelo Riccobene Memorial Golf Tournament, among others. Their ongoing support funds the programs that change lives and make events like this year’s a success.

Looking ahead, YNOT is focused on the future, working towards building a permanent facility that will allow them to offer even more resources to our youth, including job training, entrepreneurship, and trades programs. This facility is crucial for preparing our youth for future career opportunities and ensuring their success.

For more information on YNOT Community Services, visit: www.ynotservices.org

Or call: 647-427-4898