YOUTH DAY is not just one day but rather a year round initiative; youth participants partake in events leading up to the festival in July including auditions, press conferences, meetings, fundraising events, promotional video shoots, media interview sessions, etc. The program allows our youth to develop skills, obtain new knowledge, stay busy and active, connect and network with both peers and mentors that can help them progress in various ways. We have been commended by the city; deemed an event of municipal significance – as well as assisting city services such as Toronto Police Service and Crime Stoppers for the power of our initiative and the difference it makes. Both youth volunteers and performers have expressed their gratitude for giving them an opportunity to stay focused on their passions and out of trouble whilst they develop their skill sets and grow from new experiences.