Future in Focus: 500 Youth Gather for April 24 “Youth Engagement Fair”

Energy, excitement, and opportunity filled the Cornwall Civic Complex in Cornwall, Ontario on Thursday, April 24th, as over 500 youth from across the SDG counties gathered for the Youth Engagement Fair hosted by the Social Development Council of Cornwall and Area. From 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the venue buzzed with curiosity and connection as students explored a vibrant mix of clubs, activities, and support services designed to spark passion and purpose.

With 42 dynamic exhibitors, the event was packed with hands-on games, instant prizes, and giveaways galore. Youth attendees received a special “passport” program, which encouraged interaction at each booth for a shot at winning big prizes—turning the entire fair into an exciting journey of discovery.

Exhibitors included:

BGC Cornwall/SDG, Cornwall Sea Lions, Equipe psycho-sociale, Miss D’s Creations/Workshop, SDG Library, Cornwall Aero Modellers, Conseil des ecoles publiques de l’est de l’Ontario, Cornwall Curling Club, Child and Youth Mental Health Services, Centres de services communautaires Vanier, Archdiocese of Ottawa Cornwall, 2403SD&G Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, City of Cornwall – Recreation, On a le choix, Koala Place Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, GIAG Youth in transition program, CST Savings, Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre, Cornwall Public Library, The River Institute, SDG Taekwondo, Stormont 4-H, Victim Services of SDGA, St. Lawrence College-CICE, Seaway Karate, Shamu Toys and Snacks, United Way of SDG, Seaway Valley Theatre Company, Seaway Valley Amateur Radio Club, Youth for Climate Action Team, Dream Maker Young Peoples’ Theatre, Laurencrest Youth Services Inc., Maison Baldwin House, O’Neil Studios, Cornwall Underwater Hockey Club, Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties, CHEO Foundation, New Mindset Therapy, Cornwall Police Services, Ministry of Transportation, La course contre la drogue / Racing Against Drugs, Eastern Ontario Health Unit.

Here are photos taken by Dick Budge and John Sahib.

This Youth Engagement Fair was more than just an event—it was a celebration of community, connection, and the bright potential of our youth.