As Canada’s largest dedicated child- and youth-serving organization, we understand the importance of youth development and creating environments that foster resilience in young people. 

R2 isn’t a program, it’s an approach 

If you’ve seen one Club, you’ve seen one Club. BGC Canada has more than 600 locations across the country, and each operates differently to meet the unique needs of their communities. 

Rather than a program with a structure involving steps, timelines, and activities, R2 is an approach: guiding principles and ways of thinking that inform how Club staff work with youth. Because of this, R2 can be weaved into BGC Club’s existing work with youth—making it flexible for each Club to adapt into their daily operations, whatever that looks like. 

A curriculum specifically designed for BGC Clubs 

We’re thrilled to collaborate with Dr. Michael Ungar and his team at the Resilience Research Centre’s Evaluation and Training Institute to customize an R2 curriculum to support youth who walk through Club doors. 

Social work scholar, family therapist, and global expert on resilience, Dr. Ungar has shifted how we understand the challenges faced by young people—helping us adapt how we approach those at risk of educational disengagement. With his support, we’ve given Club staff practical tools to foster stronger relationships with youth—something BGC Clubs are already great at doing. 

The training session included collaborative, hands-on activities and engaging conversations that linked our impact on the well-being of youth through BGC Canada’s Learning & Impact data. Club staff left the session with tangible resources and tips to help them apply R2 to foster youth resiliency.

We’re grateful for our partnerships with The Keg Spirit Foundation and The McCall MacBain Foundation, who made the resources for this program possible. With their support, BGC Clubs across the country are better equipped to address the mental health needs of their communities. 

BGC staff from 57 Clubs across Canada came together for an impactful 2-day training session, aimed at strengthening the facilitation of our Learn On program.

Funded by the Government of Canada, Learn On provides youth aged 13-21 with the academic support and resources they need to overcome systemic barriers and stay on track for educational success.

The event wasn’t just a training session, it was an experience designed to spark new ideas, build connections, and equip staff with tools to empower youth in meaningful ways.

A major highlight of the session was the leadership of Dr. Michael Ungar, a renowned social work scholar and global expert on resilience. Dr. Ungar shared his groundbreaking research on how we can build resilience in young people. His session on nurturing stronger connections and helping youth cope with adversity provided invaluable insights that left staff inspired and motivated to implement these strategies back at their Clubs.

As a family therapist and academic, Dr. Ungar has transformed how we understand the challenges young people face, helping to reshape the way we approach support for those at risk of educational disengagement. His training didn’t just offer theories—it gave Club staff practical tools to foster stronger relationships with youth, ensuring that they have the resilience to thrive.

participants logging over 100,000 hours of programming—to interactive discussions on youth-focused themes like STEM, the two days were a whirlwind of inspiration and learning. Participants also took part in a Photo Voice activity – where participants capture and share photographs that represent their experiences – sparking creativity and fresh perspectives.

BGC Club staff left the training feeling recharged, armed with new strategies and a deeper understanding of the importance of community in their work.

The impact of the training was clear:

• 96% of participants said the session was a valuable use of their time
• 96% reported gaining new ideas that could be applied at their Clubs
• 91% of staff felt more confident in their ability to run successful Learn On programs and support youth in achieving their educational goals

With the Learn On program and the support of experts like Dr. Ungar, BGC Canada is continuing to make a lasting impact on youth across the country. Together, we’re building a future where every young person has the tools they need to succeed, no matter the barriers they face.

Tire retailer gives and installs tires so youth charity can keep supporting local kids

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 15, 2022 /CNW/ – Mr. Lube has partnered with BGC Canada (formerly known as Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada) to help keep their vehicles in top driving condition this winter. BGC Club staff rely on their vans to deliver vital programming to youth in 70+ communities across Canada. To help get their fleet ready for the upcoming winter season, Mr. Lube offered free new Continental Tire winter tires and installation to their long-standing partner.

“Thanks to our various locations, and the quick and easy tire-install services we provide, we were in the position to help get BGC Clubs road-ready very quickly,” says Stuart Suls, President & CEO, Mr. Lube Canada. “BGC staff were able to drive into our locations at their convenience and get same-day service, rather than having to plan their seasonal tire changes weeks in advance.”

A recent survey by Mr. Lube further highlights the importance of all vehicles getting ready for the upcoming winter season. Thanks to so many Canadians returning to the office, more than 8-in-10 Canadians (83%) say they believe that roads will be busier this winter, and 65% even say they anticipate pre-pandemic traffic. Add to this that more than a third of Canadians (34%) expect to drive more this winter than last – particularly those under age 35 (47%) – and it quickly becomes evident why having winter-ready tires are a necessity.

“We need to do everything we can to make our vehicles as safe as possible,” says Rachael MacKenzie-Neill, Vice President, Marketing & Development, BGC Canada. “This in-kind donation is incredibly helpful, as it will help our Clubs stretch their annual budgets. Inflation is hitting our Clubs hard, so we are very thankful for Mr. Lube’s support this year.”

Mr. Lube’s recent survey also highlights the automobile-related sacrifices that Canadians are considering making this upcoming winter. Even though they anticipate busy roads, three-in-ten Canadians (32%) plan to delay purchasing new winter tires – or their winter tire change – due to inflation or budget constraints.

“The fact that about a third of Canadians are considering sacrificing safety this winter due to financial constraints is alarming,” says Stuart Suls, President & CEO, Mr. Lube Canada. “As soon as the temperature drops to 7C or below, drivers need winter tires to minimize slipping and to ensure they grip the road in snowy and ice conditions. Driving without winter tires in cold weather is dangerous.”

For more information on Mr. Lube’s partnership with BGC Canada or to learn more about the services they provide visit www.mrlube.com.

About the Mr. Lube survey:

An online survey of 1509 Canadians (1168 who drive or are responsible for the maintenance of a motor vehicle) was completed between August 26-28, 2022, using Leger’s online panel. No margin of error can be associated with a non-probability sample (i.e., a web panel in this case). For comparative purposes, though, a probability sample of 1509 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

About BGC Canada (formerly Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada)

For 120+ years, BGC Canada has been creating opportunities for millions of Canadian kids and teens. As Canada’s largest child and youth serving charitable and community services organization, our Clubs open their doors to young people of all ages and their families at 736 locations nationwide. During out-of-school hours in small and large cities, and rural and Indigenous communities, our trained staff and volunteers provide programs and services that help young people realize positive outcomes in self-expression, academics, healthy living, physical activity, job readiness, mental wellness, social development, leadership, and more. Opportunity changes everything. Learn more at bgccan.com and follow us on social media @BGCCAN.

About Mr. Lube Canada

Mr. Lube is Canada’s leading quick lube provider in the routine automotive maintenance sector. The company was founded in 1976, pioneering a category of automotive servicing that focused on convenience and no appointment necessary. With 167 locations across the country, Mr. Lube is operated by a national network of franchisees. Headquartered in Richmond, BC, the company also has an office in Mississauga, Ontario to support its national franchise network.

In 2002, Mr. Lube Canada founded the Mr. Lube Foundation to support its corporate goals of giving back to the community and helping those most in need. To date, the Foundation has donated over $6 million dollars to charities across the country. For more information about the company, please visit www.mrlube.com

SOURCE Mr. Lube Canada

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Media contact

Lorna Freeman
c/o Mr. Lube Canada
Lorna@lornafreeman.ca
416-994-8565

David Waterfall, Vice President of Marketing
Mr. Lube Canada
dwaterfall@mrlube.com
604-802-9240