Red Deer River Cleanup efforts bolstered by 100 Kids Who Care

Initially she had heard that there were other 100 Kids groups in Canada and said she was really passionate about youth and being able to encourage and empower the kids while hopefully seeing their lives and actions directly impact the community.

Since the group’s inception in the Fall of 2015, the group has accumulated about 207 members, with the most recent meeting seeing an influx of 15 more eager to take part in future events.

At the meetings of the 100 Kids, each child donates $10 to a community organization. To choose an organization, members nominate charities before randomly selecting three. Presentations are then made by the kids on each organization before a vote is taken to determine the recipient of the funds.

“We encourage them to make their donation from money they have earned in some way, shape or form,” said Slaymaker.

Last Spring, the team of youngsters planted 1500 trees at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre in just over an hour.

Charities that the group considered donating to at this most recent meeting included the Lending Cupboard, Habitat for Humanity and Camp He Ho Ha. During the presentation for Camp He Ho Ha, a video was played and some children in the group saw others they knew from the Red Deer area.

Slaymaker said she doesn’t believe anyone in the group had attended Camp He Ho Ha previously, but says that kids have a soft spot for other kids and that is why it was chosen to be the recipient of donations this time.

Camp He Ho Ha, or Camp Health, Hope & Happiness Society, is a not-for-profit camp funded by public support like that of 100 Kids Who Care. The camp provides recreational opportunities to both children and adults with physical and mental disabilities. The donation made will be in the amount of $730.

Previous donations by 100 Kids have included the Red Deer Food Bank, the Red Deer Hospice and the Central Alberta Humane Society.

“It really is about so much more than just the meeting. I think that when the kids come, they feel inspired and empowered, and in their heart of hearts they want to help and be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Slaymaker said.

The focus of the meetings is on how to take some of the things they learn or do and translate them in to everyday life. Slaymaker said while they won’t necessarily do the Red Deer River cleanup again as a group, she hopes some of the children wish to do it again and perhaps turn it into an annual family event.

Slaymaker said the goal is to always be reaching out to a new group of kids and people and that the doors are always open for new members. Another meeting of 100 Kids Who Care will be held in the Fall.

For more information or inquiries you can visit http://reddeerdancemagic.com/100-kids-who-care/.

by Kirsten Dennis

Red Deer River Cleanup efforts bolstered by 100 Kids Who Care

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