Blog | Friesens Donation to YFC (Youth for Christ)

February 11, 2022

Friesens Donation to YFC (Youth for Christ)

Cheque presentation – featuring Friesens Employee-Owner Zach Wiebe, and YFC leaders Marty Falk and Sheridan Sawatzky.

The Employee-Owners of Friesens Corporation have stepped up in a big way to support the YFC Altona expansion and mission.

In early 2021 Friesens agreed to provide YFC with over 7,000 square feet of space for a major expansion. It was a long-term commitment to create a new venue to enhance the support that YFC provides the community.

We are now pleased to announce that Friesens has followed up that commitment with a $100,000 cash donation to help fund the renovations and the development of a new makerspace which will give young people access to learn 3D design technology, digital arts, music, programming, and much more. This donation represents 25% of the original expansion budget.

Chad Friesen, CEO said “We’ve supported the work of YFC Altona for years. In 2020 we started talking to Sheridan and Marty about the idea of creating a makerspace (or innovation lab) in Altona. YFC saw it as a way to connect with more young people and Friesens saw it as an opportunity to generate interest in the types of technology and skills that we’d be seeking in future employees. These discussions soon turned into the expansion plans that are being executed today. We’re proud of the support that YFC provides to local youth, and we’re excited to see how much more they can do through this new facility.”

The new YFC Altona is located at the corner or 6th Street SE and 2nd Ave SE. The facility is accessible to all youth regardless of physical limitations, finances, family situations, or beliefs. It is a safe place for people to connect, support, share, and grow together.

One of our core values is to help build a stronger community. As Friesens succeeds so does Altona. However, our definition of community is broader than just the geographic region that surrounds us. It encompasses our neighbours, our customers, our vendors, and society as a whole. We are proud to have increased support for many initiatives in 2021 and look forward to supporting numerous other projects in the year ahead.