The Emily Brydon Youth Foundation is celebrating its 10th year anniversary. A decade sounds like such a long period of time but in reality it is just a ripple in the pond. The true power comes from watching those ripples continue to expand and impact the water they continue to-touch.

The EBYF came to life 10 years ago but the seed was planted closer to 17. Individuals and a community inspired me to believe and dream: they gave me a raft when I could have sunk. The initial vision of the foundation was in part to pay it forward and ensure that every child had an opportunity to live out their goals and dream, but more importantly to educate people on the power and importance of sports, arts and education as an integral part of any child’s youth and development. This has evolved into something so much bigger and impacted hundreds of youth throughout the Elk Valley - for that I will be forever grateful.

I am constantly in awe of our community: “A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals”. Those words are synonymous with the ethos of the EBYF. We are growing and impacting more and more every year – this is a testament to the power of a community

Pride & Courage

I am proud. I am grateful. The greatest element of the EBYF’s success is that every individual touched or touching the foundation has equal empowerment. Pride is a powerful driver of change and evolution. It is something that has inspired me to do things I never dreamed of. It has also gotten me through tough times. It's something that every child should feel – that is a powerful platform from which to build dreams.

Courage is a word of hope and survival. From courage comes opportunity. Opportunity is what the EBYF seeks to provide: the opportunity that every child can dream, aspire and experience. I am constantly reminded as to the importance of “play” for a child. “Play” isn’t just associated with sport but equally the arts and education: these are the pillars of development and growth and decisively the EBYF.
Although the foundation is going strong and has no intention of slowing down, the time has come to close out the LEGENDARY EBYF Annual Golf Tournament. It is with mixed emotions that I make this announcement but I am a firm believer that you should always stop while you’re ahead.

This year there are no excuses: you HAVE to come out and play. Step outside your day-to-day lives and experience this special event: a day that will inspire you in humanity, community and people. This is the major fundraising event for the foundation so it is with pride and courage that I ask for you to come out and have the time of your life – no holds barred. 98% of your money goes directly to the foundation and the youth it supports: it is the gift that keeps giving because you are changing lives.

Lets make this the best one yet.

Beware of leaf blowers, giant zucchinis and golf balls suspended in the air.

Save the Date: September 19th, 2015 Fernie Golf and Country Club

Always a child at heart,
Emily