THUNDER BAY — Members of the Alongside Hope Youth Council gathered in Thunder Bay from May 21–24 for their bi-annual in-person meeting, bringing together young leaders from across Canada for a weekend of worship, learning, and community engagement.
Approximately 12 Youth Council members travelled to Thunder Bay alongside Alongside Hope Youth Engagement Coordinator Sarah Bird. Meetings and events were hosted at local Anglican communities including St. Paul’s and The Gathering Table.
During their visit, council members participated in worship services and spoke at three churches on Sunday, May 24, sharing reflections on the work of Alongside Hope and their experiences as young leaders in the church.
A highlight of the weekend included a presentation from Emily King, who spoke about challenges facing northern Indigenous communities. The group also heard from three Indigenous singers who shared personal stories and sang hymns in Cree, offering a moving reflection on faith, culture, and resilience.
The Youth Council also spent time connecting with local youth and learning about community initiatives in Thunder Bay. Jasmine Sandham spoke with the group about the Wild Ride and the many fundraising and outreach efforts that have supported Alongside Hope initiatives in recent years.
“I was impressed with the energy and the enthusiasm of the Youth Council members, and with their desire to reach out to those in need,” said Archdeacon Deborah Kraft.
Alongside Hope, formerly known as the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), supports partners and projects both in Canada and internationally, including water initiatives in northern Indigenous communities.