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Writer's pictureRJ Taylor

Celebrating Strength, Resilience & Scholastic Excellence: The FLY Project Recognition Day

Updated: Jun 6, 2023

June 3, 2023. Calgary, AB. United for a Cause: A joyful snapshot of the dedicated FLY Volunteers and Staff, standing together in their mission to uplift and inspire change. Photo: Bohdan Klimchuk

Imagine a vibrant crowd filled with eager students and their loving families, all gathered together for a grand Recognition Day hosted by a group with a heartwarming name - "For the Love of Youth," affectionately known as "FLY," right here in Calgary.


On a beautiful Saturday, The Expert Collective came together in a truly heartfelt celebration to honour the remarkable efforts and milestones of the For the Love of Youth (FLY) Project. This event stands as a shining example of the power of collaboration, compassion, and unwavering commitment to education. FLY Recognition Day represents the culmination of The Expert Collective's passion and dedication to empowering underrepresented youth through education and invaluable resources.


Fostering Dreams and Empowering Students: How FLY's Passion Project Transforms Lives Across Canada


June 3, 2023, Calgary, AB. A Moment of Pride: Blessing Iserhienrhien stands tall, a beaming smile illuminating her face as she receives a well-deserved recognition certificate, a testament to her relentless efforts and accomplishments. Photo: Bohdan Klimchuk

June 3, 2023. Calgary, AB. Honouring Dedication: Richelle Castillo, the epitome of commitment, graciously receives a Certificate of Appreciation, a symbolic acknowledgment of Castillo's invaluable contributions and efforts. Photo: Bohdan Klimchuk

Our collective's passion project has been an incredible journey, driven by our innate desire to uplift and enable deserving young individuals to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles in their path. Our mission is to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, can dream, aspire, and ultimately achieve, propelling themselves from school graduation into post-secondary education and beyond.


Supported by the Canadian government through its Support for Student Learning program, FLY has spread its wings far and wide, reaching out and assisting approximately 1,800 students across the country.


During the ceremony, FLY took a heartfelt moment to express gratitude towards the phenomenal business affiliates. Their unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in transforming this project into an impactful venture that has inspired and provided substantial assistance to countless young individuals. Their contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of many, helping them turn dreams into reality - dreams that might have otherwise faded away.


One notable ally in the FLY mission has been the U of C Dinos basketball team. Their active participation and unwavering enthusiasm have been vital in organizing nearly two dozen basketball camps. These camps have served as platforms for promoting sportsmanship, encouraging diversity, and fostering inclusivity, positively impacting the lives of numerous young individuals.


A Heartfelt Tribute: FLY's Gratitude to Remarkable Business Affiliates and the U of C Dinos Basketball Team for Empowering Youth


June 3, 2023. Calgary, AB. A Step Towards Dreams: The thrilled FLY scholarship recipients, proudly displaying their scholarship cheques, ready to embark on their educational journeys backed by this generous support. Photo: Bohdan Klimchuk

June 3, 2023. Calgary, AB. Digital Empowerment: A group of ecstatic students as they receive their new laptops, a pivotal tool in their educational journey. This is but a small representation of the many recipients of this tech-forward initiative. Photo: Bohdan Klimchuk

FLY Recognition Day also provided a wonderful opportunity for enriching dialogue and insightful conversation, particularly through a panel discussion. The U of C Dinos Basketball team coaches took the lead in this engaging exchange, sharing their perspectives on sportsmanship and serving as inspirational figures for our youth.

June 3, 2023. Calgary, AB. University of Calgary Dinos' renowned coaching staff sharing their wisdom and insights during a panel discussion at the inspiring FLY Recognition Day. Photo: Bohdan Klimchuk

June 3, 2023. Calgary, AB. Coach David Kapinga of the U of C Dinos, attentively absorbing insights from fellow coaches during the panel discussion. Photo: Bohdan Klimchuk

In conclusion, FLY Recognition Day was more than just a celebration - it embodied the spirit of community, resilience, and the incredible potential that the FLY youth possess. We hope that the progress we have made together will inspire more individuals to join us in this mission and bring about even greater change. As we continue our journey, we remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in the youth - for they are not only our future but also our present.


The FLY project is set to conclude on July 31. However, Lisa, with hope gleaming in her eyes, shared her dream of securing additional funding to continue the noble work. "We have only just begun to make a difference," she said, "and there are many more lives waiting to be transformed."


Empowering Futures: Chronicles of Achievement and Inspiration