Katimavik marks return

New group staying in Timmins for three months

Posted By Brandon Walker The Daily Press

A new group of Katimavik youth have descended on Timmins from several different Canadian cities.

Eleven volunteers and a project leader arrived here over the Thanksgiving weekend.

They will live in a communal home in downtown Timmins for three months.

The group will participate in various activities, helping non-profit organizations such as the La Ronde Cultural Centre, the Canadian Red Cross Community Health Services, Child and Family Services of Timmins and District, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Timmins YMCA and the Timmins Native Friendship Centre.

Leah Kelly came to Timmins from her hometown of St. John's, N.L.

"It seems like there's more to do here than St. John's," she said.

"I feel lucky to have the opportunity to come here."

Kelly planned to go to movies at the nearby cinema and make new friends with other members of the group and from the community.

"This helps them get a better understanding of different cultures in Canada," said Brent Campbell, project leader.

Campbell hails from Bracebridge, although he gained a sense of Northern Ontario while studying in North Bay.

He is still getting a grasp of the area, and is anxious to take the young people to help at various local activities.

"I've heard good things about the ski hills and the hiking trails," he said.

"I might take them to an Eskis game in Iroquois Falls, too."

The young people are also excited about the Under-17 hockey tournament which will be played at the McIntre arena in a couple of months, and the upcoming visit of Shania Twain, who will carry the Olympic torch in Timmins.

There are several events which the Katimavik youth might participate in.

They will probably help at the upcoming Halloween bash at the Shania Twain Centre, and at other activities where their assistance is requested.

The communal living is "a safe environment to help us become independent," Kelly said.

"It prepares them for living in a dorm at college or university," added Campbell.

Many from the group seemed to feel this is a good way to learn about different cultures and parts of the country.

After volunteering in Timmins for three months, the young people head to Halifax.

Three months later they'll head to Stonewall, Man., where they'll volunteer for three more months, before heading home.

Katimavik is a federal program for people between 17 and 21 years old.

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