Making an impact on Alberta’s youth
by John Syratt

"What did you do to my son?" questioned an elated mom on the phone to Mark Gordon, Executive Director of impactsociety following Mark’s visit to her son’s school, "He’s absolutely different!"

Mark was facilitating impactsociety’s Heroes program that day. Taught in ten one-hour sessions in schools or other community settings, Heroes, an interactive, early intervention education program, focuses on self-concept development that teaches problem solving skills, critical thinking and creativity.

Through learning these skills, many students become increasingly resourceful and optimistic about life, building positive self-esteem and the moral assets necessary for improving their lives.

Credit has been given to the program for helping many at risk youth turn their lives around. Positive results include reduced crime, suicide prevention, improvement in family communication, higher school grades and the development of positive role models.

Colleen Klein, wife of Alberta’s Premier, joined forces with Calgary’s "White Hat Lady," Marge Gudmundson, to help launch impactsociety’s new social business venture "Kans for Kids" at a fundraising luncheon recently.

"Two things in life make me happy," Klein admitted, "spending time with good-hearted souls and seeing energy and promise in the eyes of children."

"Impactsociety is creating heroes," Klein observed as she addressed the crowd of business people, parents, teachers and students from Sir John A. Mac-Donald Junior High School. "I can’t think of a more important project in this province than creating the heroes of tomorrow."

"You have everything you need to be a hero to someone else," Klein told the students. "Always remember, you’re part of a great community. You can make an important difference in the world."

In the Heroes program, instructors use a pop can to help students build character. The message is "this pop can represents your gifts and abilities."

"Heroes is building character in youth," Jack Toth, founder and CEO of impactsociety, reported. "We use a Coca-Cola can," he smiled. "It’s the most recognizable logo. Whenever they see it, at a party or dance or wherever, we want them to ask the question, ‘Am I using my gifts and abilities for the best purpose?’"

Up for auction during the luncheon was a much-coveted pair of tickets to see the Calgary Flames play the San Jose Sharks at the Pengrowth Saddledome. Don Green from High River Chev-Olds, won with his $2,000 bid. After being presented with the tickets, Green turned around and gave them back so that Toth and his wife Colette could attend the game.

Toth told the story of Aaron Stehwien, who had gone through the Heroes program a number of years ago. This young man was stabbed repeatedly after he heroically stepped in to try and break up a fight outside a downtown Calgary club last August. A short time later Aaron passed away in hospital.

"Aaron’s life was ended far too young by some young people who lacked character," Toth acknowledged. "Young people are looking for a person of excellence to follow," concluded Toth. "Integrity isn’t just a word – it’s a way of life."