BONNYVILLE - Football players from the Cold Lake Fighter Jets stopped by H.E. Bourgoin Middle School over the lunch period on June 22, to talk about mental health for youth as representatives of the Community Helpers Program and throw the football around with some Grade 7 students.
The Community Helpers Program is a suicide prevention program that is targeted for youth and adults ages 12 and over. It is a free training initiative offered by Alberta Health Services (AHS).
It can be delivered in both school and community settings, according to AHS.
The purpose of Fighter Jets Players speaking to youth is to continue building strong relationships with the people of Cold Lake, Bonnyville and the surrounding communities through partnerships and support, explained Fighter Jets player Patrick Jones Jr. in a statement to Lakeland This Week.
"We aim to bring them a national championship," continued Jones Jr.
"For the players it’s more than just coming here for a few months to play football. It’s about the impact we can leave on the program, town and community. The team and billet family’s do so much for us when we’re here. That’s the least we can do to give back to the community that has welcomed us with open arms."
This September, the Cold Lake Fighter Jets also intend to launch a youth flag football league. More details will be released at a later date.
