The Take a Hike Youth Mental Health Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary this week, marking a quarter century of helping vulnerable youth across Canada build resilience, graduate high school, and strengthen their mental health. The milestone coincides with National Philanthropy Day on November 15, which recognizes the vital role of charitable organizations nationwide.
Founded in Vancouver in 2000, the foundation has grown from a single classroom program to 16 locations across Canada, including one in Coquitlam, launched in partnership with School District 43 in 2024. According to the foundation, the program now supports up to 320 students annually and employs nearly 60 staff members.
In a press release, Take a Hike CEO Gordon Matchett said the anniversary reflects both the organization’s long-standing impact and its forward vision.
“Take a Hike has supported youth with a one-of-a-kind program for a quarter of a century – a milestone that honors our past, our community, and the youth we serve. But the work does not stop here. Today’s youth are navigating challenges like never before – the ongoing affordability crisis, combined with the lingering impacts of the pandemic and mounting global economic pressures, has pushed many families to the brink.
As we begin to celebrate this anniversary, we also take this opportunity to reflect on the continued impact we are hoping to realize in the next 25 years. I’m hugely grateful that our vision has been matched by the commitment and belief of our donors. It’s with their support that we will get to the next milestone and continue to deliver our vital, life-changing program to youth,” said Matchett.
The foundation offers full-time mental health and emotional well-being programs embedded within alternate education classrooms. Each program integrates clinical counselling, land-based learning, and community-building activities such as kayaking trips, wilderness hikes, and outdoor lessons — experiences that help students develop confidence, self-awareness, and perseverance.
The Coquitlam program, now in its second year, serves up to 20 students each school year. Participants regularly explore the outdoors in the Tri-Cities area, including Pitt Lake and Widgeon Creek, where shared challenges become opportunities for growth and connection.
Over the past 25 years, more than 2,000 students have participated in Take a Hike programs. The foundation reports that 82 per cent of participants graduate — compared to 64 per cent among similar youth populations — while 85 per cent report improved mental health and 90% plan to pursue post-secondary education. Every dollar invested in Take a Hike generates between $5.60 and $13.40 in social return, according to the organization.
Matchett said the foundation’s recent expansion into Ontario marks a major step forward. The new program at Innisdale Secondary School in Barrie, developed with the Simcoe County District School Board, is Take a Hike’s first outside British Columbia.
The foundation’s impact has also been recognized locally. The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade recently named Take a Hike Non-Profit of the Year at the 2025 Business Distinction Awards.
Parents and alumni describe the program as transformative.
– “Take a Hike is not just a school program; it’s a lifeline for kids who need a different approach to succeed,” said Natasha, a parent of one participant.
– “Take a Hike made it possible for me to graduate, get a job, and pick my life back up so I can have a better future,” said Jamie, a Take a Hike alumnus.
The Take a Hike Foundation says it plans to continue expanding access to youth mental health programming across Canada. The anniversary, aligned with National Philanthropy Day, highlights how community partnerships and donor support remain central to its mission.
