Tributes have poured in for the founder of non-profit youth services organisation Youth Off The Streets, Salesian priest Fr Chris Riley, who died on Friday aged 70. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
His death was announced via the organisation’s Instagram page on Friday, with YOTS chairperson Anne Fitzgerald paying tribute to his relentless desire to help New South Wales and Queensland children overcome their living situations.
“[Fr Riley] was a tireless advocate for homeless and disadvantaged youth, and he inspired and changed thousands of young lives,” she said.
“Fr Riley will be remembered for his compassion, tenacity and unwavering belief that every young person deserves the chance to reach their full potential.”
Fr Riley established YOTS in 1991, beginning with a single food van delivering meals to young homeless people on the streets of Kings Cross.
The charity expanded into Queensland in 2013, with YOTS now providing about 1600 homeless youth with housing and about 1200 First Nations Australians with support each year.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Fr Riley had “a heart as big as the country he served.”
“He gave hope to young people doing it tough, and never gave up on anyone,” Mr Albanese said.
“He was a good friend and his legacy will live on in the lives he changed.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed “profound sadness” at the loss of the “visionary” Fr Riley.
“Fr Riley turned a single food van in Kings Cross into a lifesaving network of crisis accommodation, counselling and other wrap-around support services,” he said.
“Fr Riley believed there is no child born bad, only circumstances to overcome, and he spent over three decades proving that with compassion and opportunity, young lives can be transformed.”
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman also released a statement, saying NSW had lost “a quiet giant,” and someone who provided, “tens and thousands of young people … a sanctuary and a second chance.”
In 2020, Fr Riley stepped down from his role as YOTS CEO after nearly 30 years serving in the role.
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Tributes flow as Youth Off The Streets founder Fr Chris Riley passes away (bY Alex Woolnough, The Catholic Weekly)
