Terra relies on volunteers, financial and in-kind donations to offer services and support our teen parents.
At Terra, our specialized team tailors programs and services to meet the needs of each teen parent. Always safe, never judgemental. Learn more about what we have to offer our young families.
Terra Supporters in the Wayne Gretzky Ballroom at the JW Marriott
Together At Last
After two years of hosting virtual events, we were thrilled to be able to host our first in-person event since 2019!
Over 200 guests came together on June 2nd for the 3rd annual Laughs Over Lunch event. We had the pleasure of hosting Terra supporters both old and new at the magnificent JW Marriott Ice District hotel for a great meal, and to hear inspirational messages from current Terra participants. SkirtsAfire provided us with talented acts to entertain the crowd like acclaimed sketch comedy group, Girl Brain. The talented trio sang, danced, and performed hilarious sketches. Josh Classen was our delightful emcee who brought along his jovial personality and kept the program running smoothly.
Thanks to our generous matching partner, EPCOR Heart + Soul Fund, we were able to raise $81,935 to support our Stronger Futures Fund, which will ensure Terra has the resources to respond to both the current and future needs of teen parent families.
Jessina and Kiwi (centre) with their Terra workers
Inspirational Speakers
Like all Terra events, hearing from our participants is a special experience and we are so proud of Kiwi and Jessina for sharing with us.
Kiwi opened the event by sharing a touching letter she wrote to Vitani, her 12-month-old daughter. Kiwi’s letter reminded us that teen parents, just like any parent, want the best for their children.
Our impact speaker Jessina shared her story and moved many guests to tears. Becoming pregnant at 15, Jessina is now the proud mother to 3-year-old Jordan. She describes herself as a strong, Indigenous woman and is the first in her family to graduate high school. She and Jordan live in safe home that she was able to secure through Terra’s Housing Support program.
Both Jessina and Kiwi are starting their post-secondary journeys in the fall where they will continue to have access to Terra services including support through our Post High School Transition Program.
Our speakers remind us that with the right support at the right time, teen parent families can do amazing things. We are honoured to be a part of their lives and are grateful that they shared their inspiring stories with us.
Jillian, Terra Alumna 2007 – Sharing her experience as a teen parent.
A Special Treat
We were thrilled to be able to offer our VIP guests a pre-event wellness experience sponsored by Sustainable Buildings Consortium. Knowing that the last couple of years have been challenging for many of us, we themed our pre-event reception around wellness and provided guests the opportunity to connect with local businesses to explore the different ways we can support personal wellness.
Upon entry, guests were greeted by live music from SkirtsAfire performer, Roya. Speciality Yin & Yang beverages were provided, and guests had the chance to connect with Terra’s own mental health therapist, Dr. Chandra Ashton, as well as sample fresh cold-pressed juices from Neo Juicery.
Our VIP reception was highlighted by Foxglove Wellness, whose co-founder, Jillian is a proud Terra alumna, dedicated mom, and Registered Massage Therapist. Jillian shared her personal story about coming to Terra in 2007 and finding the support and direction that helped shape her future. Over our 50-year history, we see our alumni do amazing things and we are so grateful to have been a part of their lives when they needed us.
Our VIP attendees enjoyed a wellness gift bag with goodies generously donated by Foxglove Wellness, Neo Juicery, Cookies by George, Color de Vino and Cloud Nine Pajamas.
We want to thank all those who were able to join us at our inaugural in-person LOL. Your presence contributed to the amazing energy that we all felt day. We hope to see you again next year as we continue our work to build stronger futures for our families and stronger communities for us all.
If you would like to support LOL 2023 as a sponsor or partner and want to learn more, contact Kejina Robinson: krobinson@terracentre.ca