Punx break down the barriers
Punks for youth! Youth Worker, Becca Lazare organized KICK-DOWN fundraiser and awareness raising event for YouthCO. Car 87, The SMIT, S.T.A.B. and Brady's Problem jumped on board to play for this night.So what is YouthCO? “It is a Vancouver based organization, there is no other organization like that in the city that supports youth fifteen to twenty nine years old with issues surrounding HIV and Hep C positive. They used to have a woman's program, the funding was cut, which is why I am doing this benefit. There is a drop in centre that street youth tend to access more than anybody else. They used to have retreats for the women because dealing with HIV is very different as a female, especially with pregnancies or the stigmas involved. This is the only facility outside the Vancouver downtown eastside that kids can go to that is strictly for youth. A safety factor for them, so they know they can approach people and feel secure, it is very grassroots and peer focused. It's really important because it's making sure the kids will get what they need such as providing meals four days a week. We have a street nurse that will work their medical issues. Providing support so the kids can live a healthier life. We also have an outreach program to let people know about our program. There is an education team that goes out into schools and the interior. We teach people about safe sex and educate them about Hep C and HIV. We are a little less intimidating for the kids who do not want to go to the DTES for Insite, the happy medium between not accessing at all” Lazare explains.
Lazare became involved with YouthCO because of her unique perspective with street youth. Familiarity with the challenges that the kids face to access necessary support, outreach workers or locating readily available information and first hand experience led to the personal realization to work with peer support programming.
The event door, raffle and donation box proceeds go 100% directly to the organization. So far HITZ Boutique, New World Designs, The FALL, Sugarbox and Bonerattle Music, East Van BLVD Skate Shop, Mr. Pet's have contributed prizes. If you want to get involved, donate, support or sponsor please contact punxkickdown@gmail.com
When asked, why did you decide to play this benefit? “I chose to play because I would like to help benefit people suffering from AIDS. My close uncle happened to pass away from AIDS, so I guess this is my way of showing, lets kicks AIDS in the motherfuckin ass!!!” says Robin, from The SMIT.
Car 87, The SMIT, S.T.A.B. and Brady's Problem play the KICK-DOWN Fundraiser at Pat's Pub Friday June 29th
