After a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jack Drury Memorial Dirt Bowl fundraiser returned in-person on August 13th, 2022 for the 5th anniversary of the event. The fundraiser honours the memory of local student Jack Drury who was an integral member of the Saugeen Shores community and an SDSS Royal.
The flag football tournament, held in Port Elgin, Ontario, raises money for youth mental health supports. Cumulatively, the event has raised over $60,000 which has been split between the SDSS Royals football team and WES for Youth Online, which provides free, professional, virtual counselling for youth ages 13-24 across Ontario. The organizing committee of the Dirt Bowl and the team at WES for Youth Online believe that community based events such as this one are important not only because they help raise much needed funds but also because they promote open conversations, community building, and resource awareness–all of which are integral to bettering youth mental health.
“We do this because the community needs it. Young people need to be aware of the help available and that they’re not alone. It’s important to raise awareness for mental health, especially among our youth. The committee as a whole believes strongly in what we are doing and we’re excited for what the future brings in growing the Dirt Bowl,” shared Dirt Bowl Founder Joey Wentworth.
WES for Youth Online (WFYO) provides free, virtual counselling for Ontario youth. The counselling services are ongoing, meaning youth can form a trusting relationship with a professional, Master’s level counsellor with no season limits or cost. The organization’s goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, confidential space for youth to access the support they want, when they want–free from barriers. Youth in Ontario are experiencing a mental health epidemic and the need for support has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. With 2022 being the 10th anniversary of the organization and the 5th year of the Dirt Bowl fundraiser, both organizations are focusing forward to better youth mental health.
WES for Youth Online envisions a future where all youth have access to free counselling and the team is appreciative for the support of community partners who are passionate about the organization’s mission. The Jack Drury Memorial Dirt Bowl fundraiser has helped provide dozens of Ontario youth with access to mental health support and this generous donation will aid in furthering the organization’s vision for a stronger future.
