Anita Foy, the mind behind Teen Beat and Events, is organizing unique gatherings for young people to connect and enjoy themselves in Tillsonburg. (Contributed Photo)
Robin Krafft, Post Contributor
Since 2021, Anita Foy has been planning and running events aimed at teens in Tillsonburg.
Foy moved to Tillsonburg with her kids looking for a new beginning, but her teenagers faced some challenges adjusting initially. The pandemic impacted mental health, and many young people missed out on vital social experiences due to being unable to interact with their peers.
“Teen’s mental health was affected by COVID,” Foy said. “I had always volunteered at my kids’ school, and the neighborhood kids called me Mom. There were always kids showing up at my door. When we moved here, I realized that there are so many kids out there that missed out; they’re living via social media.”
In 2024, she organized a Teen Egg Hunt to promote interaction among youths and provide them with their own fun activity. This event took place at Lake Lisgar Waterpark, alongside but distinct from the Tillsonburg Kinsmen Club Easter Egg Hunt. Foy appreciated their assistance and collaboration.
“It allowed us to grow and explore this opportunity,” she said. “We couldn’t have done it without the initial backing of the Kinsmen Club.”
During the first year, she noticed many kids scattered around hunting for eggs on their own, enjoying their time individually. By the second year, attendance soared with over 160 teens coming together to socialize. She received numerous donations and along with her volunteers stuffed 4,800 eggs with treats, creating a colorful scene on the grass and among the trees.
“There are ten people who organize, set up and clean up after,” Foy said. “It’s family-run. Me and my kids, friends, and some teens help out for their volunteer hours. Tim Hortons put in a prize basket, and Zehrs donated goodies to take home.”
As Foy wraps up plans for this year’s Teen Egg Hunt, she’s happily accepting donations of plastic eggs and foil-covered ones. More information about the event will be posted on the Tillsonburg Teen Beat and Events FB page.
“It’s great for homeschooled teens,” Foy said. “It’s an opportunity to make friends and socialize with others they might not otherwise meet. There are a lot of single parent families too, and kids have to be more self-sufficient; this gives them a chance to enjoy something just for them. My idea and vision came from my kids.”
The Teen Santa Potluck held at The Spot in the Tillsonburg Town Centre was a huge success last year. Teens brought food or treats along with wrapped gifts ($20 limit) that were distributed during a Christmas bingo game.
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“IT’S AN ALL-INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT,” FOY SAID.” “I MAKE SURE ALL THE KIDS ARE ADDRESSED; WE ENGAGE WITH EVERYONE.” OUR EVENTS ARE LIGHTHEARTED AND WELCOMING. IT’S FOR FUN!”
MANY PARENTS FOLLOW THE FB PAGE LOOKING FOR EVENTS FOR THEIR TEENS AND SHE’S HAD NUMEROUS KIDS AND PARENTS APPROACH HER WITH GRATITUDE FOR PLANNING AND HOSTING EVENTS. SHE WELCOMES THEIR INPUT AND IDEAS FOR FUTURE ACTIVITIES. FOY IS LOOKING FORWARD TO TEEN BEAT’S FIRST TEEN KARAOKE ON MARCH 15 AT THE COPPER MUG AND A LUAU IN JULY. SHE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO PLAN A PARENT AND TEEN SUMMER EVENT. KIDS ARE STILL BONDING WITH YOU IN THEIR TEEN YEARS,” FOY SAID.”KIDS NEED CONNECTIONS EVEN MORE. TEENS STILL NEED YOU. I TRY TO BE WHO I NEEDED WHEN I WAS YOUNG.” FOY ADDED THAT PLANNING AND HELPING OUT AT EVENTS IS A STRONG LESSON FOR HER KIDS NOW AGED 17 AND 21. SHE KNOWS THEY’LL REMEMBER THESE TRADITIONS AND EVENTSAND THEY ENJOY SEEKING OUT ANYONE WHO SEEMS TO BE HAVING TROUBLE JOINING IN. IF SOMEONE IS ALONE, YOU GO TALK TO THEM. THAT’S WHERE YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE,” FOY SAID.“THERE’S A STIGMA THAT WE NEED TO BREAK. IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE YOU COME FROM. YOU FIT IN SOMEWHERE. AND IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU DON’T FIT, YOU FIT WITH US.”Source link
