Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 24/01) - Sofas, computers, tables, a washer and dryer -- these are just a few things the director of the city's newest youth drop-in shelter wants our community's kind hearts to donate.

Items the Side Door would like donated: 20 futons One refrigerator One small refrigerator One stove One washer One dryer One microwave 30 coffee cups 20 bathroom towels 15 computer systems Two pool tables Two fooze-ball tables Two telephone system Two security cameras One countertop (106 x 26)

Kevin Laframboise, director of the Side Door Youth Centre, wants residents in the city to help him furnish the shelter's new home on the corner of 50th and 49th Ave.

Laframboise, the driving force behind an ambitious $550,000 project for youth in the city, said things are panning out great but he needs the things that make empty rooms feel like home.

"There is enough out there to make a great youth centre with donations," said Laframboise.

He originally wanted to purchase new furniture but the shelter's board suggested he seek donations.

The Side Door board is made up of city residents. Capt. Al Hoeft of the Salvation Army is president.

Laframboise recently received $40,000 from the Royal Bank for the junior Side Door, an afternoon program for elementary school youth.

So far the federal government, City Hall, Diavik and Nahanni Construction have contributed to the shelter.

Laframboise said the shelter needs 20 Windows operating computers, 20 couches, coffeeshop-type tables and a washer and dryer among a host of other items.

"I'm very encouraged by the support we've seen. We are going to meet a great need in the community," said Laframboise.

The new building is almost complete, he said noting final touch-ups on drywall and painting under way.

Laframboise said the shelter will erect an honour wall for all those who donated items.

Laframboise said he's hoping for quality stuff. He left a couch back in the church basement because it was too beat-up.

"The stuff we have is falling apart," said Laframboise. "We are looking for something newer that will look nice."

He expects the shelter to open sometime in December.