Dirk Niles' Fundraiser for Mentor North

I became involved with Mentor North in 2025, and met Odin in July of last year. Our first outing was a helicopter tour of the Duluth Harbor (leading to an obvious challenge - what do you do for a second outing when the sky is no longer the limit??) We have done a few more activities such as Culver's, and Odin's first MN Twins game in Minneapolis.  

When I think about the work of Mentor North, I am most enthused about the positive results realized with just a very modest investment of time or money. Mentor North's work feels more essential than ever because of the challenging digital landscape youth are navigating, today. I know mentoring matters because I have seen its impact first-hand in Southern Minnesota over my past twenty years. 

For 2026 I am part of the Mentor North Every Thread Counts Campaign - with the goal to raise $35,000 because together we can make more mentoring possible!  

More caring adults. More connected youth. Stronger community. 

 So please consider giving monthly or at least one time in any amount - both are needed! (Thank you!) 

With your recurring or one-time donation, Mentor North will work to ensure that every local youth has opportunities to gain life skills, try new things, develop meaningful interests and engage with their community through 1 on 1 mentorships. Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that someone cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter.  Being in a mentoring relationship builds social connection, improved self worth, confidence, mental and physical well-being for mentors and youth alike. 

Resilience Builders - Please consider joining me as one of our Resilience Builders by choosing an automated monthly donation!  This will enable your partnership with Mentor North to benefit youth, families and community year round.  Think of it like a subscription to making the world a better place! 

Every Donation matters - Have you been looking for a way to do something that makes a real difference, and show youth there is love, joy, and a positive future for each and every one of them? Will you donate today to ensure local youth have one more caring adult in their life?