For the past five years, we've been shaping something rare - a space where young people don't just learn skills, but discover who they are by working with their hands, being part of a team, and contributing to something meaningful. What started in a school shop has become a community built on trust, care and momentum.
Now, we're at a turning point.
To continue into 2026, we need to raise $150,000 by June 30th.
Without it, this space - and everything it makes possible - begins to close down. With it, we keep going. We keep creating the kind of environment where people grow, belong and become.
If this resonates with you, we'd be honored to have your join us - whether by getting involved, making a donation or simply helping spread the world.
Check out the video below to learn more - and see how you can help.
WORK ON PROJECTS
AND GROW TOGETHER.
more than a garage.
OPEN SPACE
a hands-on garage where youth learn real skills — like welding, bodywork, and fabrication — in a space that values presence over pressure. It’s not about performance. It’s about showing up and building something real.
CONNECT
here, different ages and backgrounds come together. Youth, volunteers, and mentors work side-by-side — learning from each other, building trust, and becoming more through shared effort.
FIND YOUR WAY
this is more than a shop — it’s a space to grow from the inside out. Young people bring their whole selves — strengths, struggles, and questions — and learn to bring it all together to build a life that’s truly their own.
GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
WHEN WE COME
TOGETHER.
WE DO
OPEN SHOP
hands-on sessions where youth can learn, build, explore, or just be part of the rhythm. No pressure — just real tools, real work, and the freedom to grow at your own pace.
BUILD TEAM
a deeper track for youth who want more — more challenge, more responsibility, more complexity — and more chances to shape both the space and themselves.
EVENTS
from drift nights to car meets to shop BBQs, our events bring everyone together. They’re where connection happens, passions are shared, and memories get built.
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Have a question?Ask anything about the fundraiser or the shop. Hit the button below and we’ll get back to you.
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If you’ve been running for 5 years, why do you suddenly need funding now?For the past five years, Young Guns has been held up by a group of committed people who believed in it deeply — and carried much of the weight to keep it alive. The shop has run minimal funding, volunteer effort, and personal sacrifice, because we saw how much it mattered to the young people showing up. But surviving isn’t the same as sustaining. To fully step into this new chapter of Young Guns, we need to move from surviving on the shoulders of a few to being supported by even greater community that believes in what this space makes possible. This moment isn’t just about keeping the lights on — it’s about building a strong foundation for what comes next. This isn’t a brand-new idea. It’s something that’s already working — and now it’s time to carry it together.
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What happens if you don’t reach the goal by June 30th?If we don’t raise $150,000 by June 30, we won’t meet the threshold we believe is necessary to make this work sustainable—for the space itself, for the people who rely on it, and for the future we’re working to build. If that happens, we’ll continue operating with the remaining funds for as long as we can—but ultimately, we’ll be forced to close the space. We don’t want it to come to that. And with your help, it doesn’t have to. Together, we can keep this space alive—and ensure it continues to be a place where growth, connection, and real work can thrive.
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Can my business sponsor or partner with you?Absolutely. We’re always looking for values-aligned businesses to partner with — whether through donations, services, mentorship, or events. Let’s talk.
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Can I set up a monthly donation or make a pledge?Absolutely. Monthly support is one of the best ways to help us plan ahead and stay stable. You can also pledge an amount and fulfill it over time — just let us know, and we’ll make it easy.
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Where does the money go?Every dollar supports the real, day-to-day work: tools and equipment, shop rent, youth insurance, volunteer coordination, project materials, safety gear — and the invisible but essential work of creating a consistent, welcoming space. If you’d like a detailed cost breakdown, we’d love to connect with you.
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Can I mail in a cheque?Absolutely — you can mail a cheque to support Young Guns Garage. Here’s how: Please make cheques payable to: The Oikodome Foundation Mail to: Young Guns Garage PO BOX 34554 Surrey, BC V3S 0A4 If you’d like a tax receipt, please include your full name, mailing address, and email.
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Is my donation tax-deductible?Yes — the Oikodome Foundation, who we partner with to make this space possible, is a registered Canadian charity. All eligible donations made through them will receive a tax receipt.
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What ages is this for?Young Guns is designed primarily for youth and young adults — typically ages 13 to 23.
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Can I sign up or join the program right now?Not at the moment. During this fundraiser, we’ve paused new inquiries so we can focus entirely on keeping the space alive. Our goal is to raise enough to reopen fully — and welcome even more youth into the shop. Right now, we’re doing everything we can to make sure there’s still a place to come to.
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Do I need experience to come?Not at all. You don’t need to know anything about cars or tools to start. Just come curious and willing to learn.
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I’m not into cars. Can I still help?Definitely. You don’t need to be a car person to believe in what this space stands for — presence, growth, connection, and contribution. Many of our supporters simply care about creating environments where young people thrive.
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Can I volunteer or visit the space?Yes — we welcome visitors, mentors, and volunteers. Whether you have a skill to share, want to help out behind the scenes, or just want to see the space for yourself, reach out. We’d love to connect.
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What other help do you need?Whatever it is you do — we probably need it. SEO, yard work, content creation, auto repair, making a meal, life coaching… you name it. If you have a skill, a resource, or simply the willingness to show up, we’d love to hear from you. Even if you’re not sure how you fit — just ask.
Young Guns Garage is a non profit organization where young people grow through hands-on work, real connection, and the freedom to be themselves.
We hold space for self-discovery, skill-building, and community that lasts.
This work is entirely made possible through the generosity of individuals, businesses and partnership with The Oikodome Foundation.
The Oikodome Foundation has supported youth education for over 30 years, with a mission to build up and empower the whole person.
Canadian Registered Charity #: 888226 198 RR0001