By Ken Thornton
The name Sandra Green may not be familiar to you, but I suggest it won’t be long before it will.
Sandra first saw the light of day in Sudbury. She spent her childhood in Aurora where her educational journey included Aurora High School, Seneca College, Duke University Non-Profit Management and Harvard Business School Executive Education. I can think of no one more deserving of the title, Executive Director of Ray’s Place Youth Resource Centre, than Sandra, who currently holds this position in Creemore.
Sandra is married with one son, Ayden, who cycled 2,727 kms last year from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Ottawa, to raise money for United Way Centraide. Wow! I’m a basketcase just thinking about it!
Currently living in Brentwood, Sandra was previously employed at RogersTV Barrie where she hosted and helped produce her own TV show, “Your Business with Sandra Green,” and assisted in producing the daily live talk show, “Daytime.”
Her early career life involved camps and outdoor education working with youth-at-risk. This led to work with youth from Toronto and the Bronx. Sandra’s role was to listen and patiently allow them to vent their feelings, with no criticism or personal opinions. The goal was to win their respect and eventually induce trust and encourage a more positive attitude. In other words it was their nickel, not Sandra’s.
Too often we take for granted the time and energy expended by those whose goal is to enhance and support the lives of our young people. We are blessed in having people like Sandra. When asked how she manages to keep her life in balance, with a winning smile she replies, “My passion for painting never fails to keep me on track.” (Sandra is an avid abstract expressionist.)
With the intent on expanding opportunities for youth in Clearview Township, Ray’s Place is currently in need of space for its Auto Restoration Club. If you know of a space that is heated and can store the vehicles, Sandra would be grateful to hear from you. Contact her at 705-466-3663.
Meanwhile, welcome to Creemore, Sandra! And all the best in your endeavours. We applaud your success in the past, and your vision for the future.