16th Annual Ripple Effect Forum

The 16th Annual Ripple Effect Youth Forum saw more than 400 participants from across Ontario join in the effort to make a ripple effect across the community.

DRPS was joined by 12 police services from across the province, as well as the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services. Thank you to representatives from Cornwall, Durham, Gananoque, Guelph, Halton, Kingston, London, Niagara, North Bay, Owen Sound, Waterloo, Woodstock, and York Police Services.

DRPS Chief Peter Moreira, provided opening remarks and congratulated the YIP team for hosting outstanding opportunities for youth  and acknowledged how Ripple Effect perfectly resembles the positive change that our community deserves.

The forum began with inspirational speaker, Aubrey Noronha, who shared with us his passion for creating a safer and kinder culture within our community.

Project Sunshine (an organization focused on providing information and education to children with pediatric illnesses) hosted an interactive workshop in which attendees of the forum created over 1200 kits to provide to pediatric patients and their families.

Mike D’Urzo; a visualist, magician, and storyteller encouraged attendees to use creativity and envision a path to a successful life.

To wrap up the day, Christene Lewis, a motivational speaker, youth advocate and international author, engaged with attendees through her hip-hop skills and personal experiences.

At the event, a fundraiser for Durham’s Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre was also held and $1,425 was raised! These funds will be put towards YIPs grand total as the program continues to fundraise throughout the summer.

Each year, the Ripple Effect Youth Forum provides a unique opportunity for youth to earn their community volunteer hours through a day of exploring leadership, optimism, and empowerment. YIP is proud to be hosting events for future leaders and ambassadors of change!

The YIP program will be hiring for the Winter Initiative starting in August, so check out www.drps.ca/yip or contact youthinpolicing@drps.ca for more information.