Grand Opening: Wayne's World Youth Lounge
On Friday September 23 from 5-8pm you're invited the Grand Opening of Wayne's World Youth Lounge at Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre at 510 King Street!
The evening will consist of storytelling the loving memories we have of Wayne Catcheway Jr, sharing some hugs and as Wayne would have wanted, eating well.
Stew and Bannock to be served. Everyone is welcome!
The space is gorgeous. Comfy couches, a beautiful carpet with Indigenous art and teachings on it, and portraits and photos of Wayne on the walls, reminding us of the good times and the memories we shared. Those memories, the laughter and the lessons will live forever. Above it all, is a huge wall sized mural by the iconic Justin Zedone Poirier who has continued to inspire Wayne and so many in our community to be ourselves and to reach for our artistic and creative dreams. Check out these photos of the space that I took a couple weeks back (before it was ready) & a Facebook post I made about it the first time I saw it. I'll update this post with photos from the final finished up space and the gathering once it happens!
So many people loved and still love Wayne. Since his passing from brain cancer in 2019, a number of basketball gatherings have been held in his honour, I've tattooed his signature on my arm and one of Wayne's brothers is driving around with Waynerz on his license plate. Those are only the things I know about. I could mention all the young people in the neighbourhood who continue to work at their education goals because Wayne encouraged them to do so. I could also mention the many community members who are forever changed and impacted for the better in their community and career goals because Wayne's kindness and presence is felt. How many people and families are better and stronger because of his mantra of “take care of the kids”? Hundreds? At least.
Wayne still helps us every day, just like he did when he was here with us. This space is a physical representation of that. How many more good things will come into this world as a result of Wayne? Only time will tell, but I'm excited that Wayne's world Youth space is definitely one of them!
