A brighter Christmas for youth aged out of foster care

Katy Scharf received a YMCA Peace Medal for organizing Christmas gifts for youth in care.

A woman from the Greater Sudbury community of Lively has been honoured with a YMCA Peace Medal.

Katy Scharf volunteers to organize and coordinate an initiative to make Christmas brighter for youth who have aged out of foster care.

Scharf was surprised with the medal while she was delivering gifts to the Children’s Aid Society on Thursday morning and said she is humbled.

“Joy as well, that it has been recognized,” Sharft said.

“(I) certainly want to acknowledge all the people that are part of this, as well. I know organizing it is something, but the people that contribute are quite incredible.”

Kendra MacIsaac, who presented the medal on behalf of the YMCA, was also the person who nominated Scharf.

“Katy really exemplifies community compassion and care in this work,” MacIsaac said.

“A lot of empathy towards the youth that are in care.”

Scharf’s family was on hand to help deliver gifts to the Children’s Aid Society for distribution.

Volunteers gather wish lists from each youth ages 18-23 who have aged out of the foster care system but still have contact with Children’s Aid.

Families and businesses then purchase and wrap those gifts.

“The 18- to 23-year-olds are now out on their own. They need things for their home to make it feel a little bit more comfortable,” Scharf said.

“So this is a great opportunity to give them both practical things and a little bit of joy this season.”

She previously volunteered on the effort but took over as the lead organizer two years ago from the founder.

“I hope that it brings that sense of community that there are people out there who care,” said Scharf.

“I think of those youth who are living on their own who have no networks, no family and, hopefully, this just gives them a smile on Christmas morning,” said MacIsaac.

A total of 72 youth will receive custom gifts this year from their wish lists.

Organizers said many of the requests are for practical items such as grocery vouchers, silverware, blankets and towels.