A newly-formed group is looking to teach children in the Estevan area about the importance of giving.
100 Kids who Care wants to show that youths have a voice and the ability to give back to the community. Their plan is to have the children who are part of the organization meet four times a year, and bring $10 that they earned themselves.
“They donate that $10, and they’re given a ballot,” said committee member Mandy Irwin. “At each meeting, three kids will present their proposed charity to who they want their money to go to.”
The children will then decide who receives the money. Not only does it teach them about generosity and the different charities in the Estevan area, but they learn about the democratic process.
“All of the money raised at each of the events will go to that charity within our community,” said Irwin.
If a child wants to step up and suggest a charity to be proposed for a future meeting, then they can do so.
The first get-together is slated for Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Affinity Credit Union’s Estevan branch. A small snack will be served at the meeting.
About 40 young people have already committed to being part of the club.
“We still have lots of time, with people getting back into their routines, and so we’re hoping that we can get all of kids on board before our first meeting,” Irwin said.
Irwin gained the inspiration for the group from a friend who started a similar organization in Calgary. There have been clubs started up for men and women, with such names as 100 Women who Care and 100 Men who Give a Damn, across North America.
“There just wasn’t always something directed to kids,” said Irwin. “And I think the goal for us is any time we talk to our kids about what they want for their birthdays, they don’t want or need anything. So this is the way for them to take their birthday money and donate it.”
It’s up to the children to decide where to donate the money, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be an agency or charity that is geared towards young people.
Affinity Credit Union presented $1,000 to 100 Kids who Care on Friday. The money will help with start-up costs, such as t-shirts, name tags, printing and other needs associated with the club.
More information on the club can be found on 100 Kids who Care’s Facebook page or their website.
