For the second year in her life, a very young and generous Estevan girl made her birthday a holiday for others.
In lieu of birthday gifts, Sadie Pennington and her family asked their guests to bring items to be donated to the Estevan Family Resource Centre (EFRC). It was her parents, Misty and Spencer Pennington, who suggested the idea.
“We, her parents, came up with the idea because with her turning only two years old she is too young to appreciate gifts from people and she already has more toys than she needs,” said Misty Pennington.
Yet, when it came to giving and making others happy, Sadie was very proud to do something for the place she really likes.
“Being two I don’t think she completely understood, but she absolutely loves the staff and loves playing there,” said Misty.
The Penningtons checked with the EFRC and found out that such things as black garbage bags, dish soap, glass and all-purpose cleaners, Kleenex, toilet paper and paper towels were in the most demand. And that’s what they asked for as gifts. The pile of supplies Sadie’s friends provided was quite impressive and very appreciated at the EFRC.
“I don’t think a lot of people realize that it (EFRC) runs off donations and that all the programs are completely free. It is an incredible resource for our community,” said Misty, who also volunteers for the centre.
It wasn’t the first time when Sadie and her family decided to give to others to celebrate a kid's birthday.
“I sell Usborne Books, so last year for her first birthday we did a book-raiser for the Estevan Family (Resource) Centre. We asked guests in lieu of a gift for Sadie to purchase the centre a book or their own child a book, and the hostess credits from the book party and any commission would be donated in the form of books. We donated just over $250 worth of books,” said Misty.
Their guests loved the idea as much as the birthday girl. The Penningtons have been going to the EFRC since Sadie was two months old and met a lot of their friends there.
Misty noted that this way of celebration has been a fun tradition, and they would like to continue to teach their children to give back. They also hope that Sadie may set an example for others in the community.
“We would absolutely love to inspire others to do the same or volunteer at the family centre,” said Misty.
