Children and parents filled the gymnasium at Cambridge Street Community Public School Wednesday evening as the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa launched a new satellite program for children and youth in the Rochester Heights community.

Treated to an evening of fun and games, the children had their faces painted and participated in various art projects.

“This is a day about collaboration and partnership and it’s a good day,” says Graham MacMillan, president of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.

MacMillan says it would not be possible without the help of the various partners – the United Way, TELUS, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Somerset West Community Health Centre and Rochester Heights Community House.

The program at the Cambridge Street Community Public School targets children from ages six to 12 and aims to build leadership skills.

MacMillan thanked parents and community leaders for allowing the program to expand to a new area.

“We just want to thank you for helping us be in more communities, reaching more kids,” he says. “We are trying to give them an opportunity to gain confidence and be our future leaders.”

The club will play an integral part in providing “high-quality, barrier-free” education to the area’s youth, says Fauza Mohamed, Rochester Heights Community House co-ordinator.

“Having the program in this area has opened up a wealth of opportunities for the children in this community,” says Mohamed. “The community house is pleased that the Boys and Girls Club is partnering with us. We look forward to working with them for years to come.”

The United Way was happy to assist in bringing the program to the community, says Peggy Austen, United Way senior director of community services.

“Allowing programs like this to flourish in communities really gives kids a great opportunity.”