You don't have to look hard to find youth making a difference in this community.
Whether it's fundraising for local projects like the skatepark or supporting global charities like War Child at the annual Keep the Beats music festival, many young people constantly volunteer their time and energy to help others.
"They don't do it for the recognition," said Mike McIndoe, a past president of Nelson Daybreak Rotary and retired principal from LV Rogers high school. "In all my years working with youth, I've been continually amazed ... all the volunteer work they do, it's far above the norm."
McIndoe is organizing a Celebration of Youth hosted by Nelson Daybreak Rotary to recognize three groups that the club agreed have gone above and beyond to support others this year.
"Our club motto is 'service over self' and what these kids have done really embodies that," McIndoe said.
The groups recognized include students in the Quest for Community program at Mount Sentinel who went to Mexico this year to volunteer at a childcare centre, students at LVR who organized an anti-bullying initiative in their school, and another group from LVR who organized a Christmas fundraiser to help local people in need.
"These aren't kids that usually get recognized. They aren't sports starts who get award for their individual accomplishments," McIndoe said. "These are people working quietly behind the scene as a group, the same way Rotarians do."
At the Celebration, each group of youth will give a short presentation on their work and Rotary will honour them with a financial contribution towards their cause.
The Celebration of Youth is a public event set for May 29, 6 p.m. at the Hume Hotel. Tickets are $25 to cover the cost of an Italian buffet dinner. Tickets are limited. To reserve your spot, email mmcindoe@telus.net.