A program that offers social interaction, activities, and outings to youth with special needs will run another year thanks to a sizable donation by Global Container Terminals (GTC).

The port operator renewed its sponsorship of Reach Child and Youth Development Society鈥檚 TEEN Social Saturdays (GCT TEENSS) program for a sixth year on July 4, as GCT鈥檚 vice-president of public affairs, Marko Dekovic, and GCT Deltaport vice-president of operations Ben Hawk visited the Ladner Child Development Centre to meet with Reach staff and provide a cheque for $32,000.

Through the program, youth with extra needs between 12 and 18 years old get together for activities and field trips every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

GCT TEENSS provides both valuable learning and social opportunities for participants and relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to recharge secure in the knowledge their children are receiving quality care.

鈥淕CT has made a significant impact on children in our community. Their funding allows us to provide a safe place for teens to foster social connections and friendships and, most importantly, a place where they can be authentically themselves,鈥� program coordinator Robyn Lane said.

鈥淭wo Saturdays a month, our GCT TEENSS program offers youth a break from their everyday routines. Whether it鈥檚 a day at the park, a museum visit, or another group activity, these outings provide a sense of excitement and anticipation for the kids.鈥�

GCT鈥檚 sponsorship also provides outing transportation for the group, contracted to Tsawwassen Shuttles.

鈥淎s a member of the Delta community, Global Container Terminals is proud to be able to support Reach Child and Youth Society in its essential work with children with special needs,鈥� GCT Deltaport vice-president of operations Ben Hawk said in a press release.

鈥淪ince 2018, GCT has supported the GCT TEEN Social Saturday program, and we are thrilled to continue resourcing this special initiative,鈥� he continued. 鈥淎t GCT Deltaport, we take our role of being a part of the Delta community very seriously. Dedicating funds to making a positive impact on the lives of local families, including through this program at Reach, is a must.鈥�

Reach Child and Youth Development Society is a non-profit charitable society that has been providing services to children and their families since 1959. Reach currently provides programs and services to over 1,000 children and their families in Delta, 性视界传媒 and Langley every year.

For more information about Reach鈥檚 programs and services, or to donate, visit .