Dr. Ed O'Brien, Pacific Parklands Foundation Director, is the innovator behind this very successful youth project.

Dr. O'Brien came to the Foundation with a plan to start a youth program in Pacific Spirit Regional Park.  The Foundation Board endorsed his plan and became the initial funders for this highly successful program.

Other Directors quickly became donors and the Foundation has continued to support this program with annual fundraising.

Catching the Spirit marked its fifth anniversary in 2005.  More than 230 youth (aged 12 to 20) took part in three programs:  the original Catching the Spirit program at Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Spirit of Tynehead at Tynehead Regional Park in Surrey and Catching Kanaka's Spirit at Kanaka Creek Regional Park in Maple Ridge.  Youth from these programs also travelled to Burnaby Lake Regional Park and Boundary Bay Regional Park to introduce Catching the Spirit to those communities.

More than 13,000 hours of community service was contributed by the youth throughout the summer.

Catching the Spirit Youth along with the Pacific Parklands Foundation express their appreciation and deep gratitude to those who have supported the program.  Without the generous contributions from our donors this program wouldn't be possible.

Project Park: Pacific Spirit
Project Champion: Dr. Ed O'Brien

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