HISTORY
1992
JoAnn James, producer of the Calgary International Children’s Festival returned from a trip to Scotland where she learned about the concept of Child-Friendly Cities. The concept of a Child-Friendly City develops diverse opportunities for children and youth to get involved with their communities and have their voices heard. Penny Hume grasped on to this concept, becoming the founder and Executive Director of Child-Friendly Calgary (CFC).
1993
The Child-Friendly Business Accreditation Program was established. This program helped businesses adapt their environment and practices to be more child-friendly.
By the request of Mayor Al Duerr, the first Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council was created. Still active today, this program provides a platform and resources for youth to have their voice heard and effect change in their community.
CFC became the first Canadian Affiliate member of the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC), an international program that provides volunteer opportunities for youth.
1995
CFC’s YVC program initiated with a grant from the Kahanoff Centre.
YVC In-School Clubs was initiated, allowing youth to form their own volunteer clubs in high schools. This program is still active today.
The Calgary Youth Foundation was established. This is a program that allows youth to give back to their communities by awarding grants to youth-driven projects and is still active today.
1996
Mayor Al Duerr proclaimed Calgary a Child-Friendly City!
1998
CFC received the Gold Medal Laurel award by Volunteer Calgary for excellence in non-profit programming.
Mayor Al Duerr proclaimed November 20 as National Child Day, coordinated by CFC.
1999
The Piggy Bank fundraising project was initiated by Jim Gray
CFC held its first Empty Bowls event.
2000
Udderly Art Cows Project in Calgary, Child Friendly Calgary acquired “Grant” the cow.
2001
Child Friendly Calgary changed its name to Child and Youth Friendly Calgary (CYFC)
The City of Calgary entrusted Youth Week to CYFC.
2002
Calgary’s Youth Week was hugely successful, becoming the largest in Canada.
2003
The Teens of Distinction Awards were created.
2004
CYFC became an Agency of Promise with Alberta’s Promise.
Calgary United Way entrusted Calgary Urban Vibe to CYFC.
2005
The Teens of Distinction Awards were re-named the Youth of Distinction Awards (YODA), a program that is still active today.
CYFC partnered with the Association of Fundraising Professionals to host the first National Philanthropy Day Youth Forum.
2008
Jan Wu, a dedicated YVC volunteer was named Canada’s top Teen Philanthropist.
2009
Child and Youth Friendly Calgary was asked to create a time capsule that was buried in the Bow Building.
Calgary Urban Vibe was replaced by the Youth Are Awesome Blog, a program that is still active today.
The TD Youth Earth Ambassadors program was created to bring together school environment clubs.
2010
Child and Youth Friendly Calgary rebranded as Youth Central.
2011
Outreach became a program of Youth Central.
Youth Central’s Mayor’s Youth Council held the first Mayor for a Day contest, which asked Calgary youth to propose 3 things they would change to make Calgary an even better place to live.
2012
Kevin Yoo was the first Youth Central volunteer to reach 1,000 hours of service through the YVC program in Calgary and North America.
2013
Youth Central received recognition from Fort Calgary, the Calgary Food Bank and The Salvation Army Calgary for 10 years of service.
2014
The TD Youth Earth Ambassadors built a greenhouse from 3,000+ water bottles.
Youth Central partnered with Cenovus Energy to Guinness World Record of the most sandwiches made in an hour - 20,975.
2015
Dedicated volunteers Jessica Vu and Leo Wang were recognized at the Youth Volunteer Corps Summit and awarded the YVC World-Changer Award.
2016
The Mayor’s Youth Council hosted its first High School Hackathon, encouraging students to form a business idea or app that will address a social issue in Calgary.
2016
Youth Volunteers created “Happiness Avenue” flooding Stephen Avenue and the downtown core with happiness.
2017
Youth Central helped to roll out the Green Cart Program with the City of Calgary.
2018
Youth Central was recognized by The Salvation Army Calgary for 15 years of service.
A dedicated volunteer, Jessica Vu, was awarded the Youth Volunteer Corps Legacy Award for over 1,500 hours of service.