A local youth service is looking to raise funds in order to keep up the work that goes into helping young people in the city of Lethbridge.

The annual Investing in Youth campaign is back for another year in Lethbridge. The program has been operating since 1996 and has raised over $625,000 to support Lethbridge and surrounding area youth at 5th on 5th Youth Services.

This year they hope to raise $35,000 dollars and the organization says cooperation with the community is key to having a good event.

“It’s a lot of planning, we have a committee that we work with and a group of volunteers that we are working directly with to make this event successful. So the planning probably takes about three to four months in preparation for the event itself,” said Trevor Brown, executive director at 5th on 5th.

The Investing in Youth campaigns accounts for 10 to 20 per cent of 5th on 5th yearly financial plan and it directly helps around 300 youth per year.

The last few years have been very successful with donations coming in throughout the community of Lethbridge and surrounding areas.

Brown says donors have exceeded expectations in the past few campaigns and have donated more than 5th on 5th has expected.

“In the past couple of years, donors have really stepped up and have blown that number out of the water, so we’re really hoping that our community sees that value and they give back. We’ve already received a number of good donations this year so we’re really excited about that,” said Brown.

Youth services like 5th on 5th can be hugely beneficial for youth when finding jobs as well as completing school.

“The benefits for youth services is astronomical! It is surprising to see how giving a young person support and helping them develop vocational skills can change their life. Not every kid is going to get the know-how on resumes or job applications and cover letters and 5th on 5th is a great establishment that can give youth that need those kinds of supports the help they need,” said Matt Clark, a community disability service worker.

The contributions that go towards the Investing in Youth movement go to making the community of Lethbridge a better place and Clark says it shows.

“Community supports like 5th on 5th make our community a better place and it gives a brighter future to the upcoming generation,” said Clark.

This year’s drive already has donations from businesses. They have also received hundreds of items to auction off.

Any individual or business who gives $125 or more will get two invitations to attend A Taste of Lethbridge event which will also be donor appreciation night and will be held at the Servus Sports Centre on April 12.