#RISINGYOUTH: RESPONDING TO COMMUNITY NEEDS DURING COVID-19

TakingITGlobal is one of the world's leading networks of young people learning about, engaging with, and working towards tackling global challenges. We are looking for young people who are inspired and ready to take action in their local community. Through the #RisingYouth Community Service Grants program, young Canadians, ages 15-30, are able to support their local community, through grants of $250, $750, or $1500.

DO YOU HAVE A SIMPLE PROJECT IDEA TO SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY?

We have three levels of grants available at www.risingyouth.ca $250 $750 $1,500

Pooyan Sekhavati / London, Ontario / $1,500

At the start of the pandemic, #RisingYouth Pooyan Sekhavati quickly noticed a clear Personal Protective Equipment gap in his hometown and began 3D printing ear savers for masks and giving them to frontline workers.

When he realized that other students wanted to help, he expanded his project and founded the London Student Relief Team. Over 150 students joined him in addressing the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak, ranging from mental wellness to peer support. Now leading the largest student relief association in London, Pooyan and his team can offer support to the entire Greater Toronto Area. Pooyan’s initiative also supported the Black Lives Matter protests, by distributing masks to ensure safety of all involved.

Pooyan Sekhavati / London, Ontario / $1,500

In an effort to support frontline workers and encourage local business owners, #RisingYouth Pauline Brayet created the ‘’Alimenter la première ligne ‘’ project in Ville de Québec. Her concept was to buy meals from local restaurants and offer them to frontline workers, expressing gratitude while also supporting the local economy. With the help of over twelve volunteers and the #RisingYouth grant, Pauline delivered over 800 meals to healthcare workers and made a much-appreciated difference.

Christy Davis Sydney / Nova Scotia / $750

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, #RisingYouth Christy Davis launched a community response project to give seniors a pleasant environment in the safety of their homes. With the help of over 30 volunteers, Christy built and seeded flower pots for three long term care facilities in her hometown; a little encouragement and reminder of life as the seniors watched the seedlings grow into beautiful flowers. The #RisingYouth grant she received allowed her to kickstart a continual project that brings her community together and brings joy to the senior residents still in isolation.