08/31/2026
Lakefield Youth Unlimited fundraising dinner aims to raise $40,000 to support local youth
Lakefield Youth Unlimited (LYU) is excited to announce its Annual Fundraising Dinner, taking place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Lakefield Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77, 10 Nicholls Street. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with a delicious chicken dinner served by Jesse's Tap & Grill at 6:00 p.m.
Lakefield Youth Unlimited is a faith-based, community-supported, non-profit organization dedicated to helping youth discover their potential, build resiliency, and experience the hope of God. This year, LYU has set a fundraising goal of $40,000 to support mentorship, after-school programming, and outreach initiatives that meet the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs of young people and their families in the Lakefield community and surrounding area.
Guests can look forward to an evening of good food, community connection, and inspiring stories of transformation made possible through LYU’s work.
A UNICEF report highlights that 1 in 5 young people in Canada frequently face loneliness or bullying, and 1 in 4 struggle to form friendships, indicating a profound need for inclusive social programming.
Lakefield Youth Unlimited serves approximately 160 students through weekly programming and special events. Each week, LYU connects with hundreds more in Lakefield’s local elementary and intermediate schools. With the support of 40 plus dedicated volunteers, a team of five year-round staff lead initiatives that bring hope and care to families in our community.
This summer, LYU provided youth with opportunities to stay active, connect and have fun through a variety of programs and activities. Weekly afternoon drop-ins at the Barn gave youth a welcoming space to play video games, foosball and air hockey, take part in creative arts activities, and shoot baskets in the parking lot. On Thursday evenings, LYU also brought youth together at Hope Valley Day Camp for campfires, s’mores, conversations about life, card games and other activities.
This fall marks the 20th year of Gym Night, one of Lakefield Youth Unlimited’s longest-running and cornerstone programs. Beginning October 1, approximately 50 students in Grades 6-9 will gather each week at Lakefield District Public School, supported by more than 10 student leaders and 10 adult volunteers. Gym Night offers a safe and welcoming place for youth to build friendships, participate in non-competitive sports, arts and crafts, team-building activities, and explore social-emotional learning from a biblical perspective.
With only about 36% to 39% of Canadian children and youth meeting recommended daily physical activity guidelines (According to Statistics Canada), this leaves a large majority more sedentary and vulnerable to a lower well-being. Through programs like Gym Night, Carpentry and the Community Children’s Chorus, LYU provides youth with opportunities to build trust, develop healthy coping skills, strengthen friendships, and develop a greater sense of belonging. These programs also help reduce stress and support the social and emotional well-being of local youth.
The LYU Fundraising Dinner helps make all of this possible. Registration is now available for $45 per person. A table of six can be purchased for $250. To purchase your registration or to learn more about how you can support LYU programming, please visit lakefieldyouthunlimited.com, call 705-651-0156 or email [email protected].
Join Lakefield Youth Unlimited in celebrating 23 years of ministry in the Lakefield area and support its continued mission to build a future filled with hope for local youth.
