Imagine yourself as a homeless youth. At the tender age of 13 you've been driven from your home by the guardians who were supposed to protect and care for you. Now outcast with few contacts, you've been forced to try and survive on the streets or surf coaches in the heat of Summer. Food, water, and shelter have become scarce now that you have to provide for yourself. Being young and inexperienced, you are ill-equipped to take care of your physical needs, let alone navigate the dangers of street life. This is reality for 15 young people in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows presently; according to various ministries and outreach personnel.

We are pleased to announce that Maria Raynolds has donated the $2,000 prize that accompanies her award of the title, Maple Ridge Citizen of the Year, to the CEED Centre Society.