The past couple of editions I've covered a lot about youth and policing in Coast Reporter.
Some of it has detailed the not-so-positive side of youth in this community, but last Thursday night I experienced a really positive side.
The Elphinstone Secondary School teachers, aptly named Team Luau, took on members of our Sunshine Coast RCMP detachment (Team Surge) in a wonderful charity basketball game.
Proceeds from the event went to the Gibsons Elphinstone Community School youth programs.
A nice crowd of parents and youth came out to support the event, the brainchild of community school coordinator Gale Woodhouse and auxiliary RCMP member Brenda Sinnott.
Brenda's husband Ken also assisted, as did many Elphi students, selling tickets at the door and refreshments in the cafeteria, manning the score clock and sound system and selling 50/50 tickets in the stands.
All the teachers, who probably could have used the night to spend with their families instead of at the school, gave up their personal time to play. And we can't forget about our RCMP officers, who came out in force and volunteered their time for the cause.
The game was fun-filled with lots of pranks on either side of the court. The score really didn't matter. But in case you're keeping score at home, it ended 61-61.
What I was impressed about were the smiles on everyone's faces. Everyone who was there had a great time. Youth gave back to their community right alongside the adults.
This type of fundraiser is what it's all about.
As Woodhouse put it, "It gives the chance for the police and our youth to interact and get to know each other. If they can have a mutual rapport and respect level, we're all better off."
Those are words to live by, Gale, and I couldn't agree more.
I'd also like to give special kudos to Gale. We're so fortunate to have someone with Gale's energy and sense of community living here.
Gale picked up the mike and did a fine job of providing commentary, despite admitting to me that she didn't know that much about basketball.
During the third quarter break when the crowd was getting a bit restless, Gale walked out to centre court, got the crowd up and started the wave - a bundle of energy and enthusiasm. I was blown away.
While I was working in Squamish with our sister paper, The Chief, prior to assuming the editor's chair here three years ago, I had the pleasure of covering the RCMP youth volleyball league, started by Const. Wael Audi, an advocate for youth in Squamish. Audi was killed in an accident on Hwy. 99 three years ago. He was a friend and a colleague of mine. While covering last Thursday's event, I was reminded of him. I saw a lot of the positives he started in Squamish on the court at Elphi.
Last Thursday's event was tremendous, and all involved should be proud of their efforts. Here's hoping this is just the start of more positive nights like this on the Coast and positive interaction with our youth.
