Annual Report
2023 - 2024
3 Wishes
By Oceania, age 10
If I had three wishes I would wish for unlimited food and drinks. Like if I said, “Donut please,” a donut would appear. For the next wish, I would wish for unlimited money because I’m sort of greedy. For the last wish, I would wish for any book, even the ones that are not realized.
I want to write another book. Writers’ Exchange is peaceful and really fun.”
—Maha, age 10
Mission
The Writers’ Exchange is a community that supports under-resourced kids and youth to build their confidence and get excited about reading, writing and their own potential!
Values
All kids will grow up with the power to make their own choices, achieve anything and be happy.
All of our programs take place on the traditional and stolen territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Səlílwətaʔ Nations. We recognize that we all work within ongoing systems of oppression and colonization, and we commit to being a decolonial ally by building long-term relationships and by listening to, learning from, and amplifying the voices of our Indigenous friends.
Program Highlights
323 unique kids and youth 81 program volunteers
2 chapbooks published (266 stories written and 800 printed chapbooks shared!)
9228 hours of program time!
168 youth
12 programs
5 sites
Elementary
After-School
Throughout the school year, kids took part in fun and inspiring activities that got them excited to read and write! They celebrated their writing and themselves during 6 chapbook launch parties filled with family members and our awesome volunteers cheering them on.
18 kids
Classroom Program
The younger siblings of the kids in our ¿uuqinak'uuh/Grandview Elementary program didn’t want to miss out on the fun! At their request—and with support from school staff— this classroom program marked the first step in getting to know these kids before we launch a new after-school program for Grades 1 to 3 next year.
33 Grade 6 and 7 youth
High School Transition
After a successful pilot last year, this popular program was brought back by request! Grade 6 and 7 students visited the high schools they’ll soon attend, beginning to build important connections to help them feel safe and welcome in Grade 8. Current high school students also joined in, answering younger students’ questions about everything from navigating lockers and finding their way around to what happens if they miss school.
“I definitely show my family and friends the things I make here! All my friends already know I'm in the program, and I even tell my teachers about my ideas for the book.” —Tania, age 8
Community Engagement
Our Sharing Spaces
Grew from 1 last year to 4 this year!
Youth Sharing Space
Over 40 youth engaged in meaningful discussions and expressed their unique perspectives. One clear takeaway from the event was their desire for more leadership opportunities. In response, we’re excited to announce the creation of the first-ever Writers’ Exchange Youth Advisory Committee!
Caregiver Sharing Space
Across two events, 100 caregivers joined us to share their ideas and valuable feedback. During these Sharing Spaces, caregivers expressed a strong interest in dual programs that allow siblings of different age groups to attend on the same days and times. Caregivers are also looking for even more support for their youth as they make that big move to high school. In response to this feedback, we’ll be starting two new sibling programs and continue to build our high school transition programs.
Volunteer Sharing Space
After wrapping up the official business of our AGM, we invited volunteers to connect with our board members and staff for an inside look at the Writers' Exchange. In small groups, volunteers shared their experiences working with the kids and youth, highlighting memorable moments. They also had the opportunity to ask our board members about the organization's strategy and future plans, further bringing our community together.
89% of kids and youth feel a sense of belonging, indicating they feel safe, included, and able to be themselves within the Writers' Exchange community.
High School
Through safe spaces, positive adult role models, and a focus on making youth feel heard and valued, our high school programs keep youth engaged year after year. This year, our Friday Dinner Club—generously supported by CLICK and Premium Brand Foods—offered youth engaging activities like creating "Top 10" lists to share current trends with our volunteers, all while enjoying the opportunity to connect over delicious meals.
Summer
Summer was a whirlwind of adventure and creativity! With the generous support of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, youth explored the city, documenting their experiences through writing and photography, which they showcased on a custom map they created. We also had some fun in our own neighbourhood. Giant Ant content studio helped the kids bring their own characters to life through animation, while our friends at The Garden Strathcona hosted a fun plant-themed scavenger hunt—complete with delicious cookies!
Revenues
$64,750 Government Grants
$394,146 Foundation & Corporate Grants
93% of kids and youth at Writers’ Exchange are proud and excited to see their work in the chapbooks.
Family Event
Our Family BBQ put on by Low Tide Properties was a hit, with 64 attendees enjoying face painting, giant Connect 4 battles, and mouth-watering treats. It was a wonderful opportunity for caregivers, kids, youth, volunteers and staff from different programs to get together and have fun!
$614,069
$356,875 After-School Programs $97,309 High School Programs $80,418 Summer Programs $5,361 Classroom & Transition Programs $74,106 Admin
“Providing kids with a safe space to express themselves and engage in creative activities during afterschool hours is essential for their current and future well-being. Many of these children have formed meaningful connections with caring adults in their community—this is grassroots impact!”
—Generous supporter from a foundation
Growing Impact
2022/23 ★ 2023/24 ★ How did we do this? What’s Next in 2024/25?
211 kids ★ 323 kids ★
81 volunteers ★
53% growth! This year we added lunchtime projects, field trips to our homebase at 877 East Hastings, and summer partnerships with Kidsafe and Raycam Community Centre.
Grew to 89% ★
Thanks to the support of the Captain Scott Legacy Fund, we re-designed our volunteer application, training, and recognition processes to reduce barriers and better celebrate the invaluable contributions of our volunteers. These improvements have strengthened our volunteer team, making their impact even greater.
We’re expanding into Hastings Sunrise with high school and transition programs in the Templeton High School Hub, as well as sibling programs at our uuqinak'uuh/ Grandview and Thunderbird sites.
We’re growing our team of volunteers that share lived experience with the kids and youth. If you know a group we should talk to, let us know!
We’ve been living our JEDI goals and values, including a commitment to celebrating what makes each kid unique, and building a team of staff and volunteers that represent the kids.
In the year ahead we’ll work towards 100% of kids and youth reporting feeling a sense of belonging. We’ll do this by continuing to live our JEDI commitments, listening and taking action.
Give yourself a high five! We’re incredibly proud of the growth we’ve seen this year and the amazing achievements of the kids and youth we support. Here's a BIG thank you to every single friend of the Writers' Exchange! Your passion and generosity made this success possible.
Explore our latest chapbooks, "XD" and "Flaming Hot," along with many more creative works by our young authors at issuu.com/writers_exchange.