Williams Lake’s junior council has finished off a successful year.
Clad in matching red hoodies, council members shared the year’s events with city council Tuesday.
From participating in the International Women’s Day panel to hosting a Pay it Forward Day campaign sharing 20 donations from community businesses, the youths were visible in many ways.
“As we gave out gifts on Pay it Foward Day we got great responses,” Gagan Vaid said. “It was a great experience for all of us.”
One of the highlights that put them on the map was the North Central Local Government Association’s adoption of a resolution junior council put forward encouraging the establishment of a youth caucus that would provide an opportunity for youth to participate in sessions to engage in civic affairs and that more communities be encouraged to establish youth councils.
“We found out the resolution will go to the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference in September,” Monica Rawlek said.
On a local level the council organized a volunteer fair, attracting 13 local businesses and organizations to participate.
During ‘B’ block and lunch hour at Lake City secondary, students interacted with people at various tables.
“Lots of students actually signed up to volunteer in the community,” Brooklyn Thiessen said.
The council’s efforts culminated with the city’s 85th birthday celebration held May 3 at the Cariboo Memorial Complex.
Members created decorations for the dinner tables and decorated them.
“I’d like to thank the council for letting us represent the city of Williams Lake throughout our terms,” Tanner Nickel said.
City manager of social services Anne Burrill described the council as dynamic.
The council has been involved with many activities and actually had to turn down activities because they were busy and in demand.
And they are all young people carrying academic course loads, working and doing other volunteer work, she said.
“I’ve been very impressed with their contributions and commitment.”
Mayor Kerry Cook said she’s had several calls from other communities asking about the junior council.
Coun. Surinderpal Rathor encouraged the members, saying he hopes they’ll be inspired to participate in politics in the future.
