Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
July 14, 2017

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Celebrates Legacy of Randy Ralph

On July 13 the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate hosted a boardroom naming dedication ceremony in honour of Randy Ralph, Principal of the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Centre (NLYC), who passed away in a tragic highway accident on April 19, 2016.

The event celebrated Randy’s legacy. Attendance included Randy’s wife and two children, family and friends as well as staff from the NLYC. Jackie Lake Kavanagh, Child and Youth Advocate, stated “Once in a while, truly unique and special people come into our lives and they immediately stand out. I remember that feeling when I met Principal Randy Ralph several years ago at NLYC. He was energetic, proud of his cultural heritage, committed to his profession, incredibly dedicated to his family, had a great rapport and respect for and from his co-workers and residents, he had endless hope and compassion, and he saw huge value and possibility in young people that many had already given up on in their young lives.”

Randy was a passionate advocate for young people and the Office had the privilege to work with him on many occasions. A result of this positive working relationship, Randy made and gifted the Office with a beautiful traditional Aboriginal drum. Jackie Lake Kavanagh stated “When I learned the drum had been a gift from Randy I decided we needed to do something to celebrate the contributions Randy had made to young people in our province. Because like him, we too believe in the possibility of the children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we dedicate ourselves to making sure their rights are upheld, they have a voice, and they can access the services to which they are entitled.” The event concluded with Randy’s friend from the Native Friendship Centre drumming a song for Randy.

Photos of the event are available at - www.childandyouthadvocate.nf.ca/photo_randyralph.htm external link

You can reach the Advocate’s Office by calling (1-877) 753-3888, by email at office@ocya.nl.ca, and follow us on Twitter @OCYANL external link

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Media contact
Janice Mullins
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
709-753-3888
janicemullins@ocya.nl.ca

2017 07 14                              11:50 a.m.