WHILE Youth Insearch’s future hangs in limbo as the government decides whether to continue its funding, a group of passionate car enthusiast are getting in the driver’s seat to raise money for the charity.
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The Tamworth Ford Owners’ Group will dedicated all the funds raised from its annual car show, All-Ford Day, to the youth support program.
It’s not the first time the club has backed Youth Insearch – four years ago the inaugural All-Ford Day also supported the program.
Club president Mick Mehrton said Youth Insearch had a unique way of moving people.
“At our first show, someone that was here displaying a car said to Youth Insearch ‘if I could give you something today, what would you like?’,” Mr Mehrton said.
“They said they would really like a PA system for the hall. He wrote them a cheque then and there.”
Club member Lesley Douglas has been involved in Youth Insearch since 2014, after local magistrate Mal MacPherson, who was recently named Tamworth’s Citizen of the Year for his work with the organisation, encouraged her to come along to a camp.
“I walked away changed,” Ms Douglas said.
“You recognise the strength these young people have and I take my hat off to them.
“I’ve worked in mental health for 30 years and this program actually works far more than any other program I've been affiliated with over the years.”
Program graduate and Youth Insearch leader Aimee Caulfield said for those involved in the program, the event was far more than just a fundraiser.
“It means quite a lot to our young people to have members of the community willing to take an interest in them,” Ms Caulfield said.
“To have something like this organised and have the opportunity to help really allows our young people to feel involved in the community.”
All-Ford Day will be held on Sunday, April 2, at Jack Woolaston Oval. Along with Fords of all makes and models, there will be a range of kids and family activities.