Virtual format extends reach of Phoenix Centre’s FAN Club

The Phoenix Centre for Children and Families has launched the Virtual Friends and Neighbours (FAN) Club.

The shows use life-sized puppets to address social issues through lively and thought-provoking online shows and addresses difficult concepts such as racism, coping with COVID-19 and anxiety.

Each bilingual show was developed using advisory committees that are knowledgeable on the subject, and then expert puppeteers bring the storylines and lessons to life for viewers aged three to 11.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) awarded the program a $73,700 grant and Civitan International (Canada) is also providing support.

“Life has gotten a lot more complicated,” said Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski at the Nov. 26 launch. “To be able to have these kinds of programs and kinds of services that help at the ground and stabilize people who are going through challenges is ultimately important for all of us.”

The FAN club was first created in 1992 as a series of live performances with 32 different plots. It helped thousands of Renfrew County kids deal with complex subjects until it was suspended a few years ago. The virtual format can now reach youth around the country.

“We can have hundreds of educators or clinicians or early child educators access the videos and associated resources,” said Phoenix Centre Executive Director Greg Lubimiv. “This is particularly important in this time of moving through COVID where we know the mental health issues have increased dramatically.”

The FAN Club can help build resilience by giving them rules, strategies, tools and understanding of complex issues.

“I think this is something that will make a difference in the mental health world and will make a difference in our children,” said Lubimiv.

The FAN Club website currently has three virtual performances as well as tools, resources and information on the benefits of puppetry. Over time, more scripts will be added.

“There is probably no ending on what type of scripts we can have,” said Lubimiv. “But we want to go out and see what hot topics right now, what are our children are facing.”

Because of the virtual format, the performances can be dubbed or subtitled in any language.

“Having the in-person thing is wonderful, but the number of people you’ll be able to actually reach and touch and be able to benefit from the program is essentially limitless,” said Yakabuski.

Registration is free, and anyone can access the videos at any time.

To join the virtual FAN club, please visit friendsandneighboursclub.ca.