Fraser Campbell and the band from New Life play a concert for street kids.

What's Happening

Sanctuary has been open for afternoon drop-in four days of the week (3-5 Tuesday through Friday). On Tuesday evenings (7-9) we host Music Night, which is a time to jam and hang out. Wednesday evenings (7-9) are Art Nights. Different art projects are organized each week and youth are invited to take part. Thursday evenings (7-9) are Concert and Meal Night. Musical artists from the community are invited to attend and put on a jam session while youth enjoy a full meal. On Fridays we are open from 3-9PM. We have now started new Worship Night program.

The same evening includes a meal organized by groups from the larger church of Victoria. Families, Bible Studies or Home Groups prepare a meal and staff serve the youth. Special events are very important at Sanctuary. We are open to youth on Christmas Day. We have a dinner on the day and presents for the kids throughout the season.

We also celebrate youth’s birthdays. In one year we have celebrated the birth of three babies with baby showers for youth and staff. Around Valentine’s Day we make Valentines Day cards. Easter means Easter egg hunts and another chance to talk about the meaning and purpose of our faith.

Youth from Sanctuary have attended concerts together as well as City Events. Outside groups are welcome to use Sanctuary as a resource. This helps to build connections with at-riskyouth in the community who are not yet aware that Sanctuary is here for them.

Beacon of Hope House Detox Centre and the Government Agency of Community Services have started working with Sanctuary in the past year. Once a year Youth Employment Counselors from Hire-a-Student make use of Sanctuary as a place to do outreach.

Sanctuary is also happy to be hosting Vancouver Island Health Authority Street Nurses. Formerly located at the now closed Needle Exchange, these nurses will be attending Sanctuary on Thursday evenings to provide youth with medical attention.

Since a large part of this ministry was conceived as youth ministering to youth, Youth Groups are always needed and welcome at Sanctuary. Meeting at the centre for prayer, baking in our kitchen, or wrapping gifts for youth at Christmas time are ways that youth groups can join in the Sanctuary community and extend their love to others.

Prayer is central to all activity in this ministry. Every Tuesday from 1 to 2 pm we gather to pray for the youth and our community. In the future we would like to see other groups choosing to make Sanctuary their place to pray. We are interested in having you or your group as part of our growing community. Please contact us if you are interested in joining us in activities or using our space for youth ministry or prayer.

Volunteers are integral to the Centre’s operation and effectiveness. Whenever we are open volunteers are reaching out to youth, including and engaging them. Volunteers are encouraged to put their specific skills or interests to work at Sanctuary. We have Music Night for musicians and Art Night for artists. For those who are comfortable in the kitchen, there is plenty of kitchen work to be done. Reception and Maintenance are other areas where volunteers can find their niche and way to help. To facilitate this there is an application and orientation process, which are designed to support new volunteers as they discover their unique role at Sanctuary.

In 2009 we introduced a new Youth Volunteer Program. This program allows Sanctuary youth and former Sanctuary youth to contribute to the Sanctuary community and benefit from volunteer experience. The heart of Sanctuary is positive, loving relationships. Staff are always ready to advocate for youth and support them with the many issues they may be working through. We are always working to reach out to the disenfranchised youth of the city. In the afternoons and evenings staff take time to go out on to the streets to look for youth and find out how they are doing.

In all of the efforts taking place at Sanctuary we need your support. Thank you! - Rob Trepanier



If you would like to become involved, please contact if your group is interested in attending.

Sanctuary Youth Centre