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Torch-passing possible

Director takes six-month leave to reflect on his future

Chris Puglia
Northern News Services


Yellowknife (Jan 22/03) - Kevin Laframboise may have closed the door on his time with Yellowknife's longest-running youth centre.

Seven years ago he began SideDoor youth drop-in centre in the basement of Holy Trinity Anglican church.

"We started with a couch, a pool table and 10 youths," he said.

"Within the first six months we grew to over 100 kids. I would dream with these kids of having our own youth centre."

That dream became a reality for Laframboise and a lifestyle.

"SideDoor was my life. If I got paid for every moment I thought about it, I would be a millionaire. I've lost many a night's sleep over SideDoor striving to make it the best and safest place for youth," he said.

But now, Laframboise has decided to re-evaluate his life.

"I've been doing this for seven years and feel like I've reached my peak," he said.

His departure is not final. He is on a six-month leave of absence to reflect.

"Halfway through my leave of absence I have to make a decision," he said.

In the meantime, he has taken a sales job at Cascom and Ryan Peters is acting executive director.

"Ryan Peters has the energy, good ideas and willingness to take the torch," he said.

Laframboise said the decision is not easy.

"I've announced I am resigning from SideDoor and in the next hour I announce I am staying," he said.

When asked if the stress associated with recent problems at the SideDoor made him step down, he answered no.

"I've been dealing with these problems for seven years," he said.