Financial hard times don’t just affect individuals; they impact many of the fantastic non-profit and charitable organizations in our community.

Sometimes it means that donors can’t spare extra money; sometimes it means that grants are no longer available.

And sometimes it means that an organization can find itself facing something we at Megaphone are all too familiar with: homelessness.

That’s the situation facing YouthCO. YouthCO is Canada’s first youth-driven organization leading the HIV and Hepatitis C movement through peer education, support and shared leadership. Currently, there are nearly 75 HIV- or Hepatitis C-positive 15-to-29-year-olds who regularly access the organization’s peer counselling and support services at their Helmcken Street location.

Now, as YouthCO prepares to celebrate its 16th year, cuts to funding mean they have until the end of the month to leave their current home and find another,

Current circumstances aren’t dampening their spirits, however. This Friday, July 9th, YouthCO will be holding a sweet 16 birthday bash at the old Storyeum space in historic Gastown.

Tickets are $25 (with discounted non-profit group rates and sponsored tickets available) and can be purchased online at www.youthco.org.

Those who are unable to attend can still support the event by donating Silent Auction items or by sponsoring tickets for youth who cannot afford to attend.

For more information about donations contact Adeline Huynh, Acquired Taste Event Coordinator at [email protected]. All proceeds from both the event and the Silent Auction will directly support prevention education and youth impacted by HIV AIDS and HepC.

Event Details:
Acquired Taste IV: YouthCO’s Sassy Sweet 16
Friday, July 9th
7 pm - midnight
151 W Cordova St, Gastown (the Storyeum building)

After-party @ LICK Club
455 Abbott Street
(no cover with ACQUIRED TASTE ticket stub)