They may be children, but kids from Cambridge YMCA child care centers all over the city understand the importance of lending a helping hand to those in need. Hundreds of these kids are working from the sidelines to help other less fortunate children get the same opportunities they enjoy at YMCA.

Whether it’s day care with other kids or even just swimming lessons, every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy these activities that some of us sadly take for granted.  Little volunteers from YMCA’s child centers are currently doing chores for some spare change, collecting what they get in piggy banks and donating all of them to this year’s YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

The goal this year? To raise $235,000, a significantly higher amount than the $200,000 they raised last year.

According to Alice Michaud, YMCA’s director for financial development, the need for children’s services in Windsor has risen over the past year, prompting them to increase the fundraiser’s goal for 2010. With the recession’s effects still felt today, she thinks the need for these services will rise even more over the next few months.

You and your family can also do your part. Read more about the YMCA of Cambridge’s Strong Kids Campaign by logging on to ymcastrongkids.ca.

A festival is giving the country’s youth an opportunity to express themselves and share their views on life through a unique way. The Imagyn Film Festival, which takes place on the 5th of March, Friday, until the 7th, Sunday, provides a forum for Canada’s youth to let their voices and views be heard.

Students are encouraged by the event’s organizers to share their experiences of peace and violence, expressing them through the form of short film using technology and art in a constructive way.

After successfully launching in 2009, the Imagyn Film Festival has announced this year’s theme to be “Anti Violence: Engagement and Resistance.”

The 3-day festival will showcase short films and videos submitted by students from all across Canada, including those living here in the City of Cambridge. Youth panel discussions will be done here in the city, and in other regions from around the country. The festival will also hold workshops on youth related activities, headed by youth leaders from their respective communities.

If you’re a student, then now’s the time to let your voice be heard and help our society change for the better. Admission to all events having to do with the Imagyn Film Festival is free, and practically anybody can join. For details and information, logon to www.imagyn.ca.