The Delta Youth Support Link Society is upping its bursary offerings in a big way this year.
The local charitable organization will be giving out $26,000 in bursaries this June to local students graduating from high school. "This is something I'm really proud about," says DYSL executive director Debbie Lindsey.
In the past the organization has given one bursary to each of the eight local high schools for $500, she explained. This year 26 bursaries for $1,000 each will be given out.
She said DYSL made more money from its social enterprise, the WearHouse thrift store in Tsawwassen last year, and that any donations DYSL receives goes toward increased funding, not administration or rent.
The group also recently
changed its name from Delta Youth Support Line Society to Delta Youth Support Link Society, Lindsey noted, adding DYSL links with other agencies and organizations within Delta.
"Our vision is to provide leadership opportunities for youth at Delta's high schools through student led projects and events," she said. "We also provide these opportunities at our DYSL WearHouse thrift store through volunteering and our Youth Apprenticeship Program."
Lindsey, who has been with the group since its inception 11 years ago, will be retiring from DYSL at the end of April. She said it was one of the hardest
decisions she's ever had to make.
"I've watched it grow from one bursary at SDSS to now 26 bursaries in North and South Delta as well as a lot of other programs."
DYSL also makes a cash donation to the youthinbc.com chat line annually.
