‘If we can see these kids giving instead of taking … it might turn things around’: New program to help youths

A NEW program sharing the gift of giving with youths at Don Dale Detention Centre is aiming to help turn their lives around

A NEW program sharing the gift of giving with youths at Don Dale Detention Centre is aiming to help turn their lives around this Christmas.

Balanced Choice founder Adam Drake, who has worked with youths at the centre since 2014, launched the program that allows participants to construct their own Christmas hamper to give to a family member or friend.

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Adam Drake is running a program with Don Dale kids this Christmas. The kids write up a wish list for a hamper to give to someone they love, Adam and his team go and get the stuff and the kids put it together. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

The program donates $70 to each youth, who then writes a shopping list for a hamper.

Mr Drake and his Christmas helpers went out and bought the items and gave them to the youths to construct their hampers.

“If we can see these kids giving instead of taking, maybe for a couple of them it might turn things around,” Mr Drake said.

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“When I bought my first present for my parents, I know what that did for me. I hope it does the same thing for these kids.”

Mr Drake hopes to continue the program beyond 2020.

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