Youth Philanthropy Advisory Committee

Engaging Today’s Youth

SCF is taking the lead in encouraging youth to become involved and empowering them to add their voice and opinions to make a difference in our community.

About YPAC

The Youth Philanthropy Advisory Committee (YPAC) is a group of youth between the ages of 13-21. They are teenagers and young adults who are passionate about contributing to, and inspiring change in their community.

How does YPAC support?

YPAC grants out money to youth centered projects in the community of Salmon Arm and surrounding areas.

During the last grant cycle, they granted money to LASS for the ‘Summer Slide Program’ and the ‘Books Under the Tree program’ at Christmas.

They also advise the Shuswap Community Foundation Board on different projects for youth.

YPAC Projects

This past year YPAC had the opportunity to work with the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge and grant out money to youth projects in our community.

These were the projects that were selected:

  • Shuswap Future Launch Youth Leadership day
  • Mirella Project Indigenous Cultural Program

Both were amazing ideas that the youth in our community came up with! Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 both these projects had to be postponed to next year.

Volunteer in the Community

Besides granting out money to youth centered projects, YPAC also volunteers in the community.

They have volunteered at Multicultural day and are going to be volunteering at Downtown Salmon Arm events this upcoming summer (2020).

YPAC Committee Members

Kate

Kate is the President of YPAC. Kate joined in 2018 and has been the president since 2019. She is 17 years old and currently in grade 12 at Salmon Arm Secondary Sullivan. She has been a leadership student since she was nine years old and continues to be passionate about it. This is a main reason why Kate loves being a member of YPAC. She’s working as a summer student at the Canadian Mental Health Association and is loving expanding her experience with non-profits in the area. She is hoping to do post secondary studies in the arts and attending McGill University before travelling and living in cities around the world.

Ava

Ava is the vice-president of YPAC. She is 17 years old and attends Salmon Arm Secondary Sullivan campus. In her free time, she loves to dance at Shuswap Dance Centre. Ava joined YPAC in 2018 after Paige Hilland gave a presentation in front of her leadership class. Paige’s presentation spoke to Ava because Paige talked about making real change in the community. Ava has always been interested in helping the community and YPAC gave her the chance to share her opinions with the Shuswap Community Foundation. She plans on going to McGill University after she graduates.

Caillie

Caillie is the secretary of YPAC. She is 16 years old and in grade 11 at Salmon Arm Secondary Sullivan Campus. Caillie plays soccer for the Thompson Okanagan Football Club year-round and hopes to play soccer post-secondary for a USPORT University. She is also an avid runner and enjoys running half marathons. Aside from sports, Caillie can be found hiking, reading or paddle boarding. Caillie joined YPAC because she loves volunteering and wants to help make the community of Salmon Arm the best it can be. Also, because she loves working with others.

Mikayla

Mikayla is the media coordinator of YPAC. She is 16 years old and in grade 11 at Salmon Arm Secondary Sullivan Campus. She has been a member of YPAC since grade 8 and loves giving back to the community. Leadership, volunteering and planning events are her passions in life. Along with traveling, exploring, eating chocolate and participating in sports.

Sebastian

Sebastian Nyeste is in his first year attending Okanagan College in Salmon Arm, he is majoring in a first year of general arts. He hopes one day to become a Secondary School Social Studies teacher. He has always loved volunteering and getting out in the community. Sebastian has been a member of YPAC for four years and absolutely loves it!

Sophie

Sophie is 17 years old and is in Grade 12 at Salmon Arm Secondary, Sullivan Campus. Sophie runs competitively with the UBCO Junior heat program and plans on running at the university level after she graduates. She keeps busy with her part-time job at the Pie Company and enjoys travelling with her family. Sophie enjoys volunteering as she likes to learn new skills, meet new people and help her community.

Brynn

Brynn is 16 years old and in grade 11 at SAS Sullivan. In her free time Brynn highland dances, listens to music while doing art as-well as going and taking photos. She also love travelling and exploring the world. Brynn joined YPAC last year after Caillie (A fellow member) took her to one of the meetings. Brynn joined YPAC because she loves helping, participating and making a better place for youth and others in the community!

Brought to you by the 191 Community Foundations of Canada
Brought to you by the 191 Community Foundations of Canada
Community Foundations of Canada
Community Foundations of Canada