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A bigger umbrella local youth organization, known AI:)r having a big heart, is now nder an even larger umbrellia. The Betty Thompson Youth Centre {BTYC), a residential shelter for youth of the Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo area, has amalgamated with the Lutherwood Community Opportunities Develâ€" opment Association (CODA}, a local nonâ€"profit organization which proâ€" vides services to "at risk" youth and their families, the unemployed and seniors. Betty Thompson Youth Centre and Lutherwoodâ€"CODA join forces The goal of the merger, through coordination and rationalization, is to stabilize funding and services for homeless youth in the Waterloo Region. P ravelP "It‘s been a bit of a journey over the last year," said Rev. Dr. Dieter Kays, CEO of Lutherwoodâ€"CODA, adding that all of the current services offered at the youth centre will continue for the time being. "We‘ve made a pledge to continue that particular legacy which the centre is known for." The youth centre opened in 1996 as a result of an initiative by Big Sisters of Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo and Area to honour the memory of â€" Betty Thompson, a wellâ€"known broadcaster and supporter of a number of commuâ€" nity causes. The School Sisters of Notre Dame have also been involved with the cenâ€" tre since 1996, and they continue to support the program with volunteer staff and financial support. Since first opening, the centre has provided overnight emergency shelter for over 1,000 children, with 225 youth making use of the safe haven in the last year alone. 234 King St. S., Waterloo {corner of King St & Umion St ) 7 4# A wwew.goligerstrayel.com â€" During that time, however, the cenâ€" tre fell on some hard times of its own, and was forced to close its doors last fall due to a lack of funding. But as a result of mass community support of its "Shelter for Our Kids" campaign. 80 per cent of the centre‘s $565,000 fundraising goal was reached, which allowed for the reopening of the program just weeks after its closing. And the recent merger has been By Anoarta Bamey Chronicle Staff TravefPlus 5> 741â€"0770 Lutherwoodâ€"CODA board chair Tupper Cawsey (left) and Betty Thompson Youth Centre board chair Mary Jane Schlegel joined forces to cut a cake last Thursday, symbolizing the recent merger of both organizations. anorea saney hOTO described as the icing on the cake "Our work began from a need to tespond to the youth in the Kitchenerâ€" Waterloo and surrounding area," said Mary Jane Schlegel, chair of the BTYC board. "And now in order to maintain such a high level of service, we‘ve called for help from Lutherwoodâ€"CODA. "In the past five years, there have been good and hard times. "But now we can continue to grow and stand tall, as well as shade, protect LIFESTYLE and support youth in the region. "The belief that we can do good for young people is what really drives the BTYC," he said. "The BTYC had such an incredible belief in the youth and helping the youth. We hope we can respect that care and carry it forth in the future. Tupper Cawsey, chair of the Lutherwoodâ€"CODA board, called the union a perfect fit. â€" i "This is just the beginning of what‘s possible." CHRONI Waterloo The Great Ride n‘ Stride is a fun outing for family and friends, and a good opportunity to get some exercise and fresh air while supporting a worthy cause. Each year event raises $900,000 for cancer research and services for people living with cancer in the comâ€" munity. During the event, participants can walk, run, or cycle in teams or by themselves. _ Registration begins at noon, with the start time to follow at 1 p.m. â€" Volunteers are still needed for the steering commitâ€" tee, registration, food, entertainment, setâ€"up/takeâ€" down, media/promotion, and more. For more information or to volunteer, call 886â€"8888. The Hardy Hearts cardiac rehab program, also known as the Waterloo Regional Cardiac Rehabilitation Foundation, will be hosting the third annual Health Walk in Waterloo Park May 5. Hardy Hearts was established in 1975 to help those living with heart disease in Waterloo Region. _ _ The goal of this now annual event is to raise funds for the cardiac rehab program and to purchase new fitness equipment and essential medical equipment. }iegistration takes place at 9:30 a.m. in the picnic area near the tennis courts at Waterloo Park. The walk will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. Pledge sheets are available at CKCOâ€"TV, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and all Kitchener fire stations. Bring a pledge sheet and pick up a Hardy Hearts Health Walk Tâ€"shirt. Participants with pledge sheets will also have a chance to win a prizes including a hot air balloon ride for two, courtesy of CKCO and Sundance Balloons. For more information, contact Zach Weston at 496â€"9925. t I "he Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo Internet Users Group will host a presentation on internet search engines, April â€" H-ardy Hearts is asking people to join in the walk and to sponsor those who will be walking. _ . L hosta presentation on internet search engines, April 24. Paul Stewart of Canadianâ€"Links.com will discuss the Canadian Links directory, and answer questions about the technology of search engines. Canadian Links has recently indexed its oneâ€"millionth URL. KWIUG meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 7â€"10 p.m. at the University of Waterloo in the William G. Davis Computer Centre in the ICR lecture hall (room 1302} Meetings are free and open to everyone. For more inforâ€" mation, call Bob jJonkman at 519â€"897â€"7740 or see http //www.kwiug.org Hardy Hearts hold Health Walk in Waterloo Park Internet users group hosts meeting on search engines Great Ride and Stride helps stomp out cancer elp make cancer history by taking part in the Great Ride and Stride April 29 at University Stadium in 1y â€"ra»®‘â€"1 v 7/ o Ask for details WATERLOO NORTH Morthfield at the Parikway 0% FINANCING 746â€"1666 in Waterloo