THUNDER BAY – Since a fire on Simpson Street on November 20, 2019, Peter Panetta and the Underground Gym have been looking for a new home.
Peter Panetta shares:
I just submitted this proposal to our City leaders in hope that we can resume what we have been doing for the last 21 years. We need space and the City has the perfect location for us.
The Underground Gym & Youth Centre Inc Peter Panetta
11 January 2020
201 Leith Street
DONATION PROPOSAL
I am writing to you in hope that you will consider donating the property at 201 Leith Street to the Underground Gym & Youth Centre for the purpose of continuing the work that we have been doing in the last 21 years.
It is the right location because it is in the same area where we have established a following for many years. Now we have 2nd generation children of the kids that we took care of for many years.
It is also spacious enough to accommodate all of our programs. It is the perfect location.
We ask for a donation because we will need the capital that we have for continuation.
No need to tell you the $$$ that the City will be saving by having these vulnerable youth involved in positive activities. It is a proven fact that it works.
Please take the time to consider this very important proposal for the betterment of our City.
Since the fire, I have been taking care of the kids between the ages of 4 to 12 by picking them up in our bus and doing multiple activities with them but my teenagers have no place to go. They are so vulnerable. One of the members of our UGG family has just been beaten so badly that he is in a coma. His sister tells me that he is brain dead and they will be pulling the plug soon. The crime rate for our youth is increasing at an alarming rate.
We must keep our youth engaged or it will get worse.
Thank you for considering my proposal.
Sincerely,
Peter Panetta / Founder & Operator
