Hundreds of Girls Inspired at BRAVE
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Our BC Division partnered with BRAVE Canada in February 2020 to simultaneously host three empowering BRAVE events for young girls aged 12-18 in Kamloops, Vancouver and Victoria. This free catalytic event was created to remind girls they are valuable, and worth being celebrated while encouraging them to dream big for what their futures can be.
A young girl shared with a group of peers, “One thing that I learned was that being brave is being able to look fear in the face and tell it not today!”
The girls were treated to an afternoon of pampering, hair styling, nails, make up, glam shots, dinner, workshops, live entertainment, and dance lessons. Every detail was thought of and taken care of by the planning committee, even gift bags and respite rooms for parents and guardians.
A highlight in Vancouver was the puppy therapy session; The Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) brought 3 dogs for some hugs and puppy kisses.
A favorite workshop in Victoria was the self-defense instruction, along with crafting sessions.
Kamloops opened their event with an all female Indigenous Persons drumming team and a welcome prayer, before breaking out into different activities.
One guardian noted that her girl, who suffers from anxiety, held back at first, but within the first hour was jumping into workshops and activities on her own.
Hundreds of girls were captivated, listening and watching via livestream to our special guest speaker, Salvation Army Captain Lisa Barnes, a pastor and officer from Seattle.
She shared her raw personal story; experiences living through foster care, and finally discovering a sense of belonging. The young audience was moved with powerful messages, “You are so much more than the possessions that you have, you are more than what your body looks like, and you are far more than the hurt that has ever happened to you” reminding them that they all matter. She ended with an exercise, everyone wrote down what kind of person they wanted to be from that point forward, encouraging them to claim their victory in advance.
Planning for 2021 has already begun. Let us know if you are interested in getting your community involved for next year!
The livestream was also broadcasted to Prince George and Trail, who both hosted dinner gatherings.