Andy's speech

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:: :: Andy's speech

Speech by Andy FitzGerald to Covenant House youth and staff - Christmas 2009

Hello everyone, my name is Andrew and I have the fortunate distinction of being the first young person to register at Covenant House Toronto in the winter of ’82. It was a welcome escape from the streets.

Some 27 years later, to be able to see the huge changes made on your behalf to better service the young people of our city makes me proud to have played a part in starting what I consider a first-rate facility.

Consider this: opening day saw one small house for admits and one small house for living. No gym, no computers, no teachers, one tiny kitchen and barely enough room for all who needed it. Thanks to the dedicated administration and staff, Covenant House has grown to what it is today: a small community with all the resources you’ll need to become a responsible and valued member of society.

I ask that you consider all the hard work and dedication the staff members give on a daily basis. Seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Take the time to thank them for all their hard work. Remember, they take these jobs home to family and friends. So help them by excelling and growing so as to make their personal lives easier.

In a community such as this, often there’s an ability to help better the lives of all, including staff and residents alike. Help the residents coming in. Remember where you came from and how you felt the first day. In helping them, you also grow as a person.

Never lose sight of your ability to help others gain strength and with your ability to help change the lives of others. Take your knowledge and street smarts and use them for good and never lose sight of your goals.

You can achieve whatever you desire with hard work and dedication. As you all know, nothing is given to you – you must earn it. Trust in yourself and in others, learn to forgive those people who’ve wronged you, ask forgiveness for those you’ve wronged, become a responsible member of society and always remember the jails and morgues are full of young people who chose not to.

Thank you, and Merry Christmas.

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