Central Alberta youth will have another helping hand in their communities.
Dakin Chase has stepped forward as the newest non profit in Sylvan Lake. The foundation became an official non profit on Dec. 1, 2021 and has already been putting their initiatives into action around central Alberta.
Kjeryn Dakin, one of founders of Dakin Chase was in a meeting earlier this year and listened to the struggles the community was facing in terms of it’s youth and how to help them and keep them safe.
“I knew there was a problem, especially with the trauma of what everyone was experiencing with COVID. This became magnified and we wanted to bring to bring not only a voice to the hurt of our youth but do something about it by creating safe spaces.”
Restaurants make an ideal safe haven for youth needing a safe space.
“We are open long hours, we have food if needed ready to go, we have WiFi and we have several staff ready to help,” said Dakin. “It might not be the first visit or two but once you can earn their trust that you have their best interest at heart maybe we can save a few kids from dangerous situations. Or they will open up to talk to someone before they become another statistic.”
Dakin, who owns three restaurants on Lakeshore Drive in Sylvan Lake, (Bukz, Bukwildz and DOE(S)) started with an industry she knew and a simple butterfly decal.
“I made a post that went viral offering to any kids who need a place to go to come to Bukz for a meal, free WiFi and even odd jobs if they needed a bit of money to get through.”
The Yellow Butterfly initiative is one of three initiatives currently underway. Restaurants and businesses are encouraged to put a yellow butterfly decal on their business storefront if they can provide a temporary, safe space for youth in their community.
It sparked a huge conversation around the need for this program and it all gave birth to the partnership of Randi Chase and Dakin starting the Dakin Chase Foundation.
“Our symbol is a Yellow butterfly. When you see our yellow butterfly in a store window know that they have taken the time to educate themselves with resources to help youth and made a promise to be a safe space. We want youth to know they matter and we are here for them, even just as an escape for a couple hours if needed. The world is heavy right now.”
Any businesses or individuals wanting more information can email butterfly@dakinchase.com.
“We are currently working on getting all of our contacts together for each municipality in Central Alberta to help bridge the gap between youth in trouble and accessing resources but I would love to see this Canada wide.”