R Emily introduced Mike Fuller:
Mike Fuller's wife is a nurse in cobourg hospital and they have 2 kids, Gabe 8 and Ellie 9. Mike moved to the Colborne area about 7 years ago and started a welding business which is his profession.
Mike runs the local youth center in Brighton and has been doing so for almost 5 years. He works under the heading of Northumberland Youth Unlimited, a not for profit organization. Mike is excited to talk about what they have been doing over the last few years for our Youth of Brighton.
Mike elaborated on his background, working with youth in the Hamilton area before moving to Colborne. He had decided to open his own welding / machinist shop. However, after a couple years he was asked to run the Beacon in Brighton and he said yes and closed his shop.
The Beacon provides a safe place for kids, both from ENSS and the public School. They show love and acceptance to the kids, making them feel worthwhile. They would routinely have the space full during lunch hours prior to COVID. They had 70 volunteers to help.
Now during COVID restrictions they could possibly manage 15 in the space. So instead, they are only open couple evenings a week, Monday and Thursday's and it is manageable. During the lunch hour, Mike goes to the pavilion at King Edward Park and brings Tim's donuts. He is there to talk to kids, to be available.
They also set up an 'on-line' space for discussions. Sometimes they play games on-line. Or just chat.
They still have some volunteers and do some training on line.
They are doing what they can.
Mike explained why the recent re-organization to take the Beacon from the Quinte Youth Unlimited to Northumberland. Basically to keep in line with the local school board.
Mike is looking for and open to partnerships in the Community.
His big dream is to move to the Fire hall when the Municipality replaces it.
R Jeff thanked Mike for his dedication and presentation.