Ron Scott

A native of Winnipeg, Ron spent 40 years working with children and youth – virtually all of them facing significant financial, developmental and social challenges. When he was 16 he worked as a camp counsellor with inner city youth and went on to work with a deaf youth. With a father who was a principal and a mother who was a nurse, Ron feels their example drew him to working with youth. The work energized him and gave him so much. “You’re constantly learning from kids. They are the greatest teachers – honest, intelligent with amazing insight.”

In the Vancouver school system, Ron worked with youth who had complex needs and learning disabilities, youth who had been expelled from school, and students who were new immigrants and refugees. Helping these students Ron realized that he wasn’t just supporting them – he was supporting their families. “Once you have a rapport and a relationship with parents, they will tell you what they need. These people have walked a path you haven’t. You need to respect and listen to them. We are walking with them, not for them.” Before retiring in 2023, Ron ended his career as Community School Coordinator at Britannia, which he describes as “11 acres where amazing support and work happens.” While he has seen many youth drop out of school, he has also seen that with support, education and mentoring, vulnerable youth can find fulfilling lives and careers.

Ron first encountered CLICK as the recipient of CLICK funding for school-based programs. He appreciates that CLICK is open to new and innovative ideas and trusts its applicant partners. He also feels CLICK stands out as having no paid staff. As for its place in the community, Ron sums it up: “CLICK has been a quiet little powerhouse.”

In retirement Ron is enjoying travel, hiking, quiet time, coffee and time to meaningfully connect with friends and family more.