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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, May 19, 2010 · 10 Annual walk/run to benefit at-risk teens June 5 The second annual Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund 5km Walk the Walk/Run will be Saturday, June 5 at Coronation Park. "Our goal is to encourage at-risk teens to walk the walk and take the initiative to find the path to a better life," said Jay Hildebrand, whose son Drew was killed tragically in 2008, a victim of teen-on-teen violence. A fund was set up in Drew's name in early 2009 called the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund. After two successful 2009 fundraising events, the charity will award its first Drew Hildebrand It Takes Courage to Change scholarships to six turnaround teens from six Halton and Peel schools so they can pursue the post-secondary education of their choice in September 2010. "The turnaround stories these teens submitted were heartfelt and showed incredible courage as they each overcame difficult hurdles and adversity. The teens mentioned how motivating they found it to know that an organization like the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund was available to them and supporting their quest for a better future," said Hildebrand. "We want to celebrate and support turnaround teens in our communities," added Crystal Simmons, Drew's mom. "The steps we take together can help encourage some at-risk teens to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk and turn their backs on risky behaviour." There has been an increase of more than 30 per cent in youth/teen violence in Canada since 1991, much of it due to a rise in assaults, according to information from Canadian police forces. Registration for the walk/run begins at 10 a.m., while the run and walk begin at 11:50 a.m. and noon, respectively. A barbecue lunch and a graffiti demonstration featuring urban artists Jessey Pacho and Kedre Browne will start at 1 p.m., while the 5-km Run awards will be handed out at 1:30 p.m. A free live concert will start at 2 p.m., featuring the talents of MCTabby Johnston, Foxes in Fiction, Harshmellows, BF Soul, Wrench and Jordon John and Prakash John. The scholarships and fundraising awards will be handed out during the musical performances. There will also be a tribute area to Drew and other victims of teen violence as well as a community outreach area. All proceeds from the event will go towards the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund. The fund's mission is to support teens who are navigating the many pressures and dangers of violence, drugs and alcohol, among others. For more information, contact www.drewhildebrandtbf.com.