May 1, 2017 - The City of Thunder Bay kicked off National Youth Week with an official proclamation at City Hall today. Youth Week takes place annually from May 1 - 7, and celebrates the positive contributions that youth make to their communities, their achievements, and their volunteerism. The flag-raising event featured a drum circle with students from Matawa Learning Centre.

The City of Thunder Bay and community organizations will be hosting a number of free or low-cost events all week long. These fun and interactive events are a great way for youth to spend time with friends in a safe, youth-friendly environment and celebrate being a youth in Thunder Bay.

"Youth week is a special week in Thunder Bay and we are happy to support Youth Arts Week and Mental Health Week as well," said Maryann Kleynendorst, Supervisor - Support Services (Children & Youth), Recreation & Culture Division. "We hope that youth use this opportunity to try something new, get involved and meet new people."

"It's all about achieving balance in your life," said Alana Bencharski, Children's Centre Foundation Thunder Bay. "Physical activity and creative expressions are key components in the overall wellbeing of youth. It's also critical we continue to encourage conversations about mental health and make youth aware that people are out there who want to help."

Youth Week activities include a twoonie swim at the Complex, Food Frenzy, Community Clean ups, a Kinsmen Centre BBQ/Block Party and other exciting programming led by many community organizations supporting youth.

For more information about Youth Week, visit www.youthweektbay.ca, or find events on the Facebook pages for Youth Move, Youth Opportunities TBay and Mental Health TBay.

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Contact: Maryann Kleynendorst, Supervisor - Support Services (Children & Youth), Recreation & Culture Division, 625-2441, mkleynendorst@thunderbay.ca