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WATCH: 100 Kids Who Care select youth outreach program as latest recipient

Nov 3, 2018 | 4:07 PM

The 100 Kids Who Care were at it again on Saturday in Red Deer.

The organization met at St. Patrick’s Community School for a couple hours of break-out activities before voting for its latest recipient.

On the ballot was the Vantage Community Services Street Ties program, as well as Big Brothers Big Sisters. The Street Ties youth outreach program won the vote.

“Today we’ve brought more than 100 kids from our community together to inspire them to make positive change in their community,” said Christine Slaymaker, owner of Dance Magic and facilitator for 100 Kids. “Today is about giving kids a voice and helping them to recognize that no matter their age or income bracket, that with small acts of kindness and the power of community, they can make a difference.”

100 Kids Who Care Red Deer was founded in 2014. Each kid contributes $10 each meeting to be given to a local charity which the membership votes for. The usual total contribution is between $1000 and $1900.

“We just really believe that kids need an opportunity to recognize how strong they really are and I think kids needs adults who believe in them and to raise them up in that way to help them really come to their full potential and realize that the possibilities are endless,” Slaymaker added. “We’re happy to be able to provide an opportunity to empower youth and to raise them up as young leaders in Red Deer.”

One of those young leaders is Kaden Nivens, who is in grade 12 at Lindsay Thurber and has helped with 100 Kids since its inception.

“One of the most important lessons to learn here today is to never be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone,” he said. “There’s nothing better than being able to help those who need it and give back to the community.”

At the latest meeting, 100 Kids were joined by SPARC Red Deer, which stands for Strengthening Positive Assets and Resiliency in Communities. It is an initiative of Alberta Health Services which launched in summer 2017.

“One of the things we’re hoping for is when we build these positive connections and relationships and assets in children, they grow healthy and thrive and make good decisions,” said Rania Page, Health Promotion Facilitator with AHS. “The higher the number of assets a young person has, the more likely they are to make good choices.”

AHS and SPARC are holding a free workshop for parents on Nov. 14 in Red Deer.