Astellas employees go to Vancouver to give Native youth more opportunities to succeed. | Courtesy of Shutterstock
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Amanda Rupp | Aug 5, 2016

Astellas employees offer opportunities to Vancouver's Native youth

An estimated 200 of Astellas Medical Affairs, Americas employees, representing Canada, the United States and Brazil, recently united in Vancouver to help the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA).

The association is the only Native youth program in Vancouver. It helps Native youth receive training, education, live-in programs, personal support, music, cultural, sports and recreation through 21 different programs.

“UNYA provides dynamic opportunities for Native youth to be empowered with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to reach their personal goals and realize their fullest potential,” Dena Klashinsky, executive director of UNYA, said. “We firmly believe that Native youth lack opportunities, not abilities. This generous donation from Astellas will provide Native youth with much-needed support, ensuring that they have access to practical resources and opportunities for success as they transition into adulthood. Support from committed community partners like Astellas is integral to our success.”

The employees raised $7,500 for the association. Employees also participated in Changing Tomorrow Today, an annual day of service program with Astellas. For this event, the company’s worldwide offices volunteer in their local communities during the year.

“It’s an equally rewarding experience to see our employees from across the Americas join forces and lend a hand to help change tomorrow for Vancouver’s Native youth,” Jeff Bloss, senior vice president of Astellas Medical Affairs, Americas, said. “Giving back to our communities is engrained in the Astellas culture, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to help Urban Native Youth Association make a difference in Vancouver.”

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