The Surfer-Pack Project is a very real and unique opportunity to change the lives of others for the better and to make a positive impact on the community.

It’s a fact: We have displaced and homeless youth in our Communities (Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry & Akwesasne) and we do not have any shelters or temporary housing for these young people

A Surfer-Pack is a backpack filled with supplies that a youth would need as they surf from one couch to another – relying on the kindness of friends.

According to the Canadian Definition of Homelessness, the “hidden homeless” population falls under the category of the “provisionally accommodated.” It refers specifically to people who live “temporarily with others but without guarantee of continued residency or immediate prospects for accessing permanent housing.” Often known as “couch surfing,” this describes people who are staying with relatives, friends, neighbours or strangers because they have no other option.

While the studies found similar rates of homelessness among youth in rural communities to that of their urban counterparts, these same studies also found rural communities have unique youth experiences and face specific challenges for service delivery.

It is very difficult to get any accurate numbers about how many youth in our area may find themselves among this almost invisible population.

• Sponsor a Surfer-Pack
• Donate items to add to packs (eg. Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Combs and other necessities).
• Make a monetary donation
• Spread the word- Share this website on social media, tell your friends and family, let our community youth know about the Surfer-Pack Project because you never know who may need our help!

Through our social service experts, we know that these invisible youth exist, and some can be reached through them. We continue to seek additional stakeholders who may be able to identify and reach these youth as well, and we are proud to already have a strong distribution network in place.

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Surfer-Pack Distribution Partners (and growing):

• Counselling & Support Services of SD&G: 613-932-4610 (126 Montreal Rd, Cornwall, ON)
• Baldwin House: 613.938.3903 (40 Fourth St. W, Cornwall, ON)
• The Agape Centre: (613) 938-9297 (40 Fifth St. W, Cornwall, ON)
• Eastern Ontario Health Unit: 613-933-1375 (1000 Pitt St. Cornwall, ON)
• Cornwall Public Library: (613)932-4796 (45 Second St. E, Cornwall, ON)
• Centre 105: 613-933-3991 x 30 (105 Second St. E, Cornwall, ON)
• Bridging Gaps:  Office: 613-933-2121/ Mobile: 613-870-2958 (44 Pitt St. Suite 8, Cornwall, ON)
• Akwesasne Child and Family Services: 613-575-2250

For all other inquiries please contact Melanie Dawson at surferpackproject@gmail.com or (613) 407-1004 to find out more. 

The project’s primary stakeholders include:

• St. Andrew’s United Church– Williamstown, ON.
• Social Development Council of Cornwall & Area
• Counselling & Support Services of SD&G
• The Agape Centre
• Eastern Ontario Health Unit

The St.A’s Yayas (Youth and Young Adults), a youth group in Williamstown, Ontario initiated the Surfer-Pack project, a grass-roots initiative, to gather supplies and backpacks to create “Surfer-Packs” for youth in need.

If you know a young person who loves to give back and enjoys making a change, we would love to hear from them as they might be a great fit for the St. A’s YAYAs!