Your scrap metal, managed and exchanged for cash, can help in funding the Routes Youth Centre in Dundas.

The centre runs its fall Scrap Metal Drive on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Westoby Arena, 70 Olympic Dr. Any scrap metal will help -- iron and steel, copper, aluminum, electric motors, pumps, pipes and batteries of all sizes.

The scrap metal drive, among other fundraisers, helps steer young lives in positive directions. The Routes Youth Centre has had a busy year with as many as 1,145 youth-visits in August for an average of 181 visits per week over the past 12 months. A "youth-visit" is defined as one young person attending one program. The centre sees about 200 individual young people in a month.

The centre is a drop-in and counselling program, providing intervention, education and prevention for youth. It offers kids someplace to go, something to do, some positive role models, life skills training, exploration of issues in teen life and breakfast programs.

Centre staff and volunteers are convinced they have helped teens needing a hand to find their way. Youth workers tell stories of kids who were in trouble finding more productive routes; young people who have found their own worth; young people who have been able to fend off loneliness, despair and substance abuse.

Routes operates in partnership with the Salvation Army, Dundas, from 150 King St. W.

Volunteers are needed to help handle scrap on the day of the drive. As well, anyone with specialized volunteer skills who would consider sitting on the board of directors is welcome the attend the annual general meeting, 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the centre. For information, call Ashley at 905 929-0572 or go to www.routesyouthcentre.com.