McDonald's sponsors UCKG's Luton
youth initiative
Released: 14.12.05

 

Inspired by a government youth initiative and supported by the local branch of McDonald's, the UCKG is helping Luton's teenagers to overcome the frustration that comes with not having enough to do outside school, college, or work.

Since the UCKG HelpCentre opened in the Luton Mall last summer, Assistant Pastor Alex Bolivar has been working to create an environment that will give young people the support they need to make the most of their lives and contribution to their communities. This is done through the church's Victory Youth Group (VYG), which welcomes all young people from the age of 14 years to 24 years.

“Today's youths have so much energy and such hopes for the future that it's extremely important to help them make the most of their talents. If those energies aren't channelled constructively, there's the risk of a downward slide into antisocial behaviour,” Pastor Alex said. “It's our philosophy to help youths and people of all ages in practical ways, where they are. We also recognise the importance of the July 2005, government green paper, Youth Matters*, which addresses key issues on supporting and challenging our teenagers.”

In addition to daily meetings at Luton's UCKG HelpCentre, VYG offers individual mentoring for purposes of personal development and practical guidance such as help with CV writing. These services have attracted many young men from local estates who have also got together to form the new Luton VYG football team.

In promoting the VYG to the community, Pastor Alex and Pastor Edward Thompson who leads UCKG in Luton met with Richard Benton, manager of the local branch of McDonald's. They won his support for upcoming VYG projects, and were delighted that he agreed to sponsor football kits for the entire team.

VYG members receive McDonald's privilege discount vouchers and the promise of a free meal whenever they win an official football match during future tournaments. McDonald's are also covering the cost of printing of 5,000 leaflets with free food offers for those who receive the leaflet as an invitation to the VYG.

Pastor Thompson is delighted with this collaboration. “For many youths, this is a dream come true,” he said. “We plan on doing lots of community work in this area because we strongly believe that it has great potential, and we are especially pleased that McDonald's is working with us.”

~Ends-

Note to Editors: The July 2005, government green paper, Youth Matters*, builds on the theme that every child matters and aims to radically reshape services for young people. It promotes the idea that all young people should achieve five key outcomes - being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, and achieving economic well-being.