At-risk youth in B.C. first to benefit from new social investment model

Olympic/Paralympic legacy organization, LIFT Philanthropy Partners, announces first venture philanthropy partnership

VANCOUVER, April 26, 2012 /CNW/ - LIFT Philanthropy Partners is proud to announce a three-year venture philanthropy investment to expand the Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation and help it to reach more at-risk youth across Canada.

Over the next three years, LIFT will provide professional services, management expertise, and other in-kind contributions to further develop Take a Hike's operations, enhance its measurement practices, and improve its financial sustainability, so it can replicate its successful program in communities throughout the country.

"We are thrilled to announce Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation as the first not-for-profit organization in which LIFT will invest through our venture philanthropy model," said Bruce Dewar, chief executive officer, LIFT Philanthropy Partners. "Together, we'll help Take a Hike develop the tools and resources it needs to transform the lives of more youth in B.C. and across Canada."

Take a Hike partners with the Vancouver School Board to operate an alternative education program for at-risk youth at John Oliver Secondary School. Take a Hike provides a unique combination of adventure-based learning, academics, counselling, and community involvement. The program is offered to youth with few remaining options and enables them to positively change their lives. By the end of its three-year partnership with LIFT, Take a Hike will be offered in at least two new B.C. communities and will be poised for further expansion across the country.

"Over the past 12 years, Take a Hike has helped at-risk youth in Vancouver change their lives, complete high school and develop employment skills. We are excited for the opportunity to work with LIFT Philanthropy Partners to strengthen our Foundation, and expand our program to reach additional at-risk youth, schools and communities," said Sonja Jensen, president, Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation.

LIFT selects not-for-profit organizations, such as Take a Hike, which have a direct and positive effect in the areas of literacy, skills development, sport and physical activity. LIFT then uses a venture philanthropy approach where it provides a combination of expertise, resources, and funding over three years to make the not-for-profit organizations sustainable and more effective at delivering social impact. In the coming months, LIFT will announce the initial members of its partner network of leading businesses, service providers and other professionals that support LIFT's work with pro bono expertise and services.

LIFT evolved from 2010 Legacies Now, a not-for-profit organization that leveraged the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to create social and economic benefits for B.C. communities. LIFT developed its venture philanthropy approach, which is based on proven social investment models worldwide, as a legacy of its Games-related work. LIFT is the first organization in Canada dedicated to using venture philanthropy to improve the effectiveness of not-for-profit organizations, so they can positively influence the health and productivity of Canadians and their communities.

ATTENTION MEDIA:

Additional information and media resources available at: www.liftpartners.ca/media-centre

Video: LIFT Philanthropy Partners - What We Do: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBMHQpdfXfQ

For further information:

Media Contact: 
Nicole Mezzarobba
Manager, Communications
LIFT Philanthropy Partners
[e-mail]
778.840.1814