Rotarians in Oakville Support the “OYDC”, “Camp Enterprise” and “Dreams Take Flight”

Oakville Youth Development Centre

The Oakville Youth Development Centre opened its doors on February 28, 2002. Since its introduction into the Oakville community, the centre has been a positive, comfortable and safe environment to hundreds of youth, ages 13 – 18. Offering a wide range of activities - from billiards, video games and movie nights to resume writing, homework help, craft/art and cooking – the OYDC is a place for youth to meet new people, foster friendships and learn new skills. To quote the youth, the OYDC offers “a place to hang out without getting kicked out.”

The four Rotary Clubs in Oakville (see www.oakvillerotary.org ) have partnered with the Town of Oakville to establish and support the OYDC. The centre is located on Cross Avenue across from the Oakville GO station, behind the stores.

The OYDC is equipped with up-to-date technology. A Tech Room allows for youth to have access to computers with Internet capabilities. They also enjoy a big screen TV with surround sound, an XBOX station and a pool table. S snack-bar is open during operating hours, providing access to snacks and drinks at a low cost.

A young, friendly staff person supervises the Centre during all hours of operation. We are open Wednesday & Thursday from 4pm to 7pm plus Friday & Saturday 3pm to 11pm.

Dreams Take Flight

      Dreams Take Flight is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing the trip-of-a-life-time to underprivileged or physically and mentally challenged Canadian children. The program is entirely volunteer-driven. With the aid and personal involvement of groups like the Oakville Rotary clubs and businesses, the program engages volunteers to take the kids for a dream reality. The volunteer group is spear headed by employees of Air Canada. The planes are provided by Air Canada, and typically fly to Orlando for a day at Disney World for the kids.

      Doreen Blake of the Rotary Club of Oakville West recounts a typical day:

“We pick up the kid’s around 4 am to drive them to the Air Canada hanger at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. There we are treated to are celebrities, famous characters, food, elephant, music, professional dancers, cheerleaders and many more activities and distractions. After we all get our t-shirts, hats and back-packs filled with our supplies and treats for the day, we head to the two airplanes. The day at Disney World is just fantastic for both the adults and children. Before we return to the plane after the fireworks the kids are given some money to spend on a souvenir. It is often very touching to see these kids buying not for themselves but for parents or siblings back home, an _expression of their loving generosity. On disembarking at the Air Canada hanger they get a huge bag of toys to take with them. The kids don’t get home again until almost 3am; happy and tired but with best-ever memories of an unforgettable day.”


Camp Enterprise