This past Tuesday thinkGood. was invited by our dear friend Nena to a fundraiser in support of YLC’s teen suicide prevention initiative. Although thinkGood. is focused on the GOOD in the world it is also very important for us to spotlight issues that we feel will help our readers become increasingly aware of some of the heavier issues that are sometimes overlooked in our busy lives.
At the event we got the chance to speak to Rory Butler the founder and CEO of Your Life Counts. Rory’s passion for change and his dedication to provide services to youth was without a doubt the focus of this initiative. We were also fortunate to meet Marc Kajouji who is an ambassador of YLC and also the brother of Nadia Kajouji, who passed away in 2008 as a result of being encouraged to end her life by a predator whom she met on-line. Marc who we admire with all sincerity is working tirelessly with YLC to help save others from experiencing the horrifying circumstances and aftermath surrounding suicide.
Your Life Counts has created an on-line community space where teenagers can go to find support. Their mission is to help youth cope with daily struggles that can lead to suicide. YLC helps youth build self-esteem and self confidence so that they’re able to recognize the value in their life, and find a better tomorrow.
On their website you can read stories of other teenager’s struggles and hopes, you can also let your voice be heard by posting your story on their site, or if you need immediate help you can contact them directly to speak to someone during your time of need.
Statistics have shown that the second leading cause of teenage death in Canada is suicide. With increasing social pressures and unregulated access to the internet, it comes at no surprise to us that the statistics are only rising. Please do your part as parents, peers and people who care by setting boundaries for our youth and connecting with them in a meaningful way. By building healthy relationships and having safe places on the internet to go to like YLC hopefully we can do our part to help fight back against these unfortunate statistics.
For more information on Your Life Counts please visit their website by clicking here. To check out some pictures from the event, please view below.
Do Good, Feel Good, Live Good
- Team thinkGood.
Tags: Teen Suicide, YLC, Your Life Counts