Since 2023, the Airdrie and District Agricultural Society (ADAS) and Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) Airdrie have worked together to address food insecurity in Airdrie through the garden project initiative, hosted on the ADAS lands just west of the city.
The two organizations recently announce that this partnership is being strengthened with ADAS assuming responsibility as the host organization for the YVC Airdrie program. This new partnership will support the continued success and future growth of YVC Airdrie and its various projects.
“The shared values of the two organizations make this partnership a natural fit,” says Laurie Jacob- Toews, ADAS vice president.
“Both ADAS and YVC Airdrie believe in the value of youth and their contribution to the future, and we are excited to build on and strengthen our existing relationship to better support the youth in our community.”
Originally incorporated in 1909, ADAS has been an active part of the Airdrie community through various projects and initiatives over the years. Some notable projects include obtaining funding and supporting construction of Airdrie’s Plainsmen and Ron Ebbesen Twin Arenas, launching what is now the Airdrie Home & Lifestyle Show, and providing financial support to numerous community and agriculture groups.
“The YVC initiative represents more than a program — it is an investment in the future of our community,” says Susan Baycroft, manager of program administration with YVC Airdrie.
“By creating meaningful opportunities for young people to engage in projects that strengthen social connections and address critical needs such as food security and environmental stewardship, YVC Airdrie and ADAS are helping to shape a generation of compassionate, capable leaders.”
YVC was founded in 1987 in Kansas City, Missouri, with the goal of engaging youth ages 11 to 18 in team-based service projects that build life and work skills while inspiring a lifelong ethic of service. Today, YVC operates across the US and Canada through a network of affiliates, partnering with schools, community organizations, and nonprofits to create meaningful volunteer opportunities.
YVC Airdrie launched in September 2019 and, over the past seven years, has engaged more than 500 youth, contributing over 10,000 service hours to the Airdrie community. Notably, more than 20 youth have each served over 200 hours, demonstrating a deep commitment to volunteerism and community impact.
Learn more at airdrieagsociety.com.
