Since it’s conception in 1987 Holy Family Youth Centre and Fortwilliam Youth Centre have been involved in what is commonly known as the “Canadian Project” The Canadian Project, over the last twenty years, involved six young people from each Centre going to St. John in Canada for four weeks to spend time in each others company and that of their Host Families.

These are just some of the experiences of the young people who went to St. John this year. If you wish to find out more about the project please click on www.belfastkids.ca and follow the links.

ROTHSAY DAY

Another one of our activities was the Rothsay Day which started at 8am. We all meet at the local Police Station at Rothsay.  We were brought into the meeting room and were told all about what would happen on the day.  We got a tour of the station and were shown the cell rooms and interview rooms also the control room.  We were then brought to the armour room and we were shown all the equipment that the Police use when they go on heists. After that we were all brought to the driving range by Police cars and were allowed to sound the siren that was fun. We spent about 1hour and 30 minutes there. Then again we were brought to the Cove by Police cars.  We then got into our swimming suits and got on our lift jackets and got the chance to go out on the speed boats and the ring. While we were there Tom got the barbeque going and when all was ready we got tucked into the hot dogs, burgers and cheesy hot dogs they were great. They also had pop and crisp and ice pops for us they spoilt us that day. After about 3 hours we headed to the Rothsay Fire Station once again in the Police cars. When everyone arrived we were explained all about what happened in the station and if we heard the alarm we were told what to do, while we were there the alarm sounded twice and some of the fire fighters had to go out on the call. We got a tour of the station and were able to try on the suits they wear when they go out on call also we saw were they eat and sleep. At the end of the tour they had a great big cake for us which really was nice and also gift bags. They took us outside to do a bit of target practice with a water hose, it ended up a water fight thanks to Christine and Jacqui they began to soak us first but we got revenge on both of them.  It was a really brilliant day.  I was really exhausted after all the activities that day I slept well that night.

By Caolan Kelly

PARTICIPANT STORIES

My name is Fiontan I am 11 years old.  My big brother also went to Canada when it first started. He told me if I get picked to go I would really enjoy it. Jacqui asked if I would be interested to go on a cross community trip for 4 weeks to Canada in June my reply was YES OF COURSE I would. I got picked and I was happy to get this chance. Why I was happy to go was I had never been to Canada and I was going to get the chance to make friends with Protestants as I do not have any Protestant friends. While there I made friends with the whole group from Mount Vernon especially RYAN he ended up being my best friend and I spent most of my holiday with him and his Candian Buddy Andrew.  While there I joined the soccer team and played a lot of games for them also I learnt to play basketball and baseball.  Meet a lot of other Canadians plus French speaking Canadians through the family that I stayed with as they run a B&B. I really had a great time and I owe a big THANK YOU to Jacqui and Christine for putting up with me the 4 weeks.  I do plan to return to my family next year.

My name is Marie Braniff. My big sister went to Canada when it first started and she had a great time. Last year my brother David went he also had a great time. I can remember last year when my brother got picked Jacqui said to my daddy when I was there maybe Marie can go next year I said no. But when Jacqui asked me about going this year I said YES right away without asking my parents but Jacqui told me to go home and talk to them as 4 weeks was a long time to stay away from home. I am glad that they decided to let me go or I would off missed out on the opportunity to meet new friends and see a different way of living from here. While there I met a lot of my host Buddy’s family and they made me feel right at home.