Jump for Justin at Skydive Toronto in Cookstown last month (July 14) raised over $15,000 ($15,740.95) for Youth Haven, Simcoe County’s only residential emergency shelter for youth who are experiencing homelessness.

More than 70 family and friends took part in tandem jumps in memory of Justin Keogh. Justin’s wish list for his 19th birthday was to skydive. Five years ago, three days before the celebration, Keogh and two teenaged friends were killed in a car crash near Alliston.

“Justin was an air cadet, so flying and skydiving was always at the top of the list.

We selected Youth Haven in Barrie as Justin’s charity of choice after researching about the shelter. It was a perfect fit since Justin wanted to counsel struggling youth.”  – Janette Boyter (Justin’s Mom)

For each person who jumped for Justin, Skydive Toronto donated $50. An online auction was also held.

“We are so grateful to Justin’s family and friends, and Skydive Toronto, for organizing this event. One in three people who use emergency residential shelters in Simcoe County are youth, ages 16-24. Our 20 beds are always full.” – Lucy Gowers (Youth Haven’s Executive Director)

Youth Haven is a Barrie-based emergency residential shelter, with outreach programs in Alliston, Midland, Orillia, Innisfil and Bradford.