On August 23, 2005, as a first step in establishing The Legacy Project, nine prominent business leaders gathered in the boardroom of the law offices of Lawson Lundell to discuss ways business can take a proactive role in tackling the growing problem of young people living on the streets of Vancouver. Attendees included: Blair Simonite, ACL Services Ltd; Rebecca Clapperton, BC Hydro; George Cadman, Boughton Law Corp; Kari Kylo, Brian Jessel BMW; Peter Ladner, Business in Vancouver; Brad Armstrong, Lawson Lundell; Julia Kim, Phillips Hager North; Kathi Thompson, Terasen; and Dave Mowat, Vancity.

The discussion focused on how business can provide leadership, entrepreneurial approaches and strategic direction to help guide the Youth Services Centre towards its goal of providing the city’s homeless youth with the resources needed to deal with the root causes of homelessness and the skills to make positive, healthy choices.

On November 2, 2005, a private morning reception was held for approximately fifty community leaders for a sneak preview of Directions and providing an opportunity to unveil The Legacy Project concept. Guest speakers at the event included: Jane Hopkins, Service Canada; Alice Sundberg, Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness; Insp Andy Hobbs, Vancouver Police Department; Charles Gauthier, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association; David Lepage, Fast Track to Employment; and Christopher Gaze, Bard on the Beach.

Incorporating a social entrepreneurship model, Legacy Project II will leverage the expertise within the voluntary, social service, arts and business sectors, and work together towards the common goal of ending the crisis of youth homelessness in Vancouver. The project will focus on providing entrepreneurial expertise and leadership to develop strategies and establish programming for youth in the areas of education & literacy, employment, and the arts.

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